American Centuries

Pocumtuck Valley
Memorial Association

American Centuries > Lessons > History Lessons By Teachers > George Washington, American Idol

George Washington, American Idol

Details

Author
Karen Bryant
Topic/Subject Area
Media, Periodicals, Communication; Military, Wars, Battles; Politics, Government, Law, Civics
Historical Era
Revolutionary America, 1763–1783, The New Nation, 1784–1815, National Expansion and Reform, 1816–1860
Grade Level
Elementary (K–5)
Creation Date
Last Revision Date
2024

Related items

About This Lesson

Summary and Objective

Students will understand that George Washington was “first in the hearts of his countrymen” and highly regarded by Americans after his death. This reverence for our Founding Father and first president is reflected in many images, documents and practices found in our culture. Students will review a variety of evidence to better understand public sentiment and Washington’s emerging heroic status.

Materials & Resources

Collection Items
Books

Teaching Plan

  1. This activity is designed as an introduction to a longer, more in-depth study of the life of George Washington. Children will form small groups to review the collection of online images which reveal the public’s interest in and admiration for our first president in the late 1700s to 1800s. They will then explain to the rest of the class what documents or images they saw (artwork, textbook, invitation, etc.).
  2. The teacher will engage students in discussion about: “What do these documents tell us about the public’s opinion of George Washington after his death? Why do you think so?”
  3. After introducing a K-W-L chart (What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned), begin a comprehensive study of George Washington’s life using biographies (see list in the Materials & Resources section), and primary and secondary source documents. Encourage children to notice how Washington is portrayed and what his strengths are in his roles as national leader, farmer, general, businessman, etc.
  4. At the end of the George Washington unit, ask students whether or not they think he is a hero. Discuss character traits they feel contributed to his success as a political leader and businessman and endeared him to the American people.
  5. A culminating activity might be to brainstorm a list of ways George Washington’s legacy is still being honored today (names of public buildings, states, colleges, street names, currency, etc.).