Synopses & Reviews
George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgment, and respected by his friends as a
good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies—and he didn't like it. When the colonies declared their independence, George was chosen to lead their army as its general. And when the colonies won their freedom, George was elected to lead the new nation as its first president.
Synopsis
For over half a century, Landmark Books have been an important part of children's libraries. Hailed as the first historical series for kids, Landmark Books show us where we've been and where we're going.
George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgment, and respected by his friends as a good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies -- and he didn't like it. When the colonies declared their independence, George was chosen to lead their army as its general. And when the colonies won their freedom, George was elected to lead the new nation as its first president.
Teacher Guide
ABOUT THIS BOOK
George Washington was born an Englishman, but grew-up to become a general in the Colonial army during the American Revolution. Known as the "Father of His Country," Washingtonís life is celebrated for his contribution to Americaís freedom.
The following books are also in this guide:
Meet Abraham Lincoln
Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.
TEACHING IDEAS
In the Classroom
These easy-to-read biographies of three of America's greatest heroes serve as brief introductions to the lives of these complex men.
The themes of leadership, courage, bravery, heroism, and freedom connect the work of these men and guide young students to a better understanding of the battle for freedom throughout our nationís history.
In addition to discussion questions related to themes, this guide offers suggestions for activities that link the language arts, social studies, art, and music curriculum.
Pre-Reading Activity
Brainstorm the meaning of freedom with the class. Then ask students to write a paragraph about what freedom means to them. Encourage students to share their writing orally with the class.
Thematic Connections
Leadership
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. were all outstanding leaders in American history. Ask students to discuss the qualities of a leader. Then ask them to cite events in the lives of each of these Americans that indicates their leadership qualities. Discuss at what age these men demonstrated their leadership abilities. Martin Luther King, Jr. didnít plan to become a minister. Why did he feel that he could better help people if he became a minister?
Courage
Ask students to define courage. Washington, Lincoln, and King each faced defeat in their lifetime, but they never gave up. Discuss the courage it took for each man to continue his dream. Based on the information in these biographies, which man do you think fought the most courageous battle? How did it take courage for Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight his battle peacefully?
Bravery
Discuss the meaning of bravery. How does bravery relate to courage? How does it take bravery to be a leader? Divide the class into three groups and assign each group one of these famous Americans to discuss. Ask them to talk about the many ways each of these men showed bravery. How is their bravery celebrated today?
Heroism
Discuss the qualities of a hero. It is said that George Washington was a hero to Abraham Lincoln. How might both of these men have been heroes to Martin Luther King, Jr.? Discuss why Mohandas Gandhi of India was a hero to Martin Luther King, Jr. How is each of these men a hero to all Americans?
Freedom
Washington, Lincoln, and King each fought for freedom. Compare and contrast the type of freedom for which each man stood. Ask each student to take a look at the paragraph they wrote about freedom in the pre-reading activity. What might Washington, Lincoln, and King say about their interpretation of freedom?
Interdisciplinary Connections
Language Arts
Read aloud
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary/Use of Language
The vocabulary in these biographies isnít difficult, but students should be encouraged to jot down unfamiliar words and use a dictionary to look up the definitions. Such words may include:
Meet George Washington colony (p.8), surveyor (p.15), and independence (p. 45).
Meet Abraham Lincoln politics (p. 33), representative (p. 46), territory (p. 49), surrendered (p.68), and debate (p. 50).
Meet Martin Luther King, Jr. segregation (p. 15), unjust (p. 23), boycott (p. 38), and justice (p. 104).
REVIEWS
Review for the Landmark Series
"One of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling childrenís book series ever published." The New York Times
FURTHER READING
Abraham Lincoln by Ingrid D'Aulaire[0-440-40690-0]
My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringold[0-517-59976-7]
Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady[0-679-84804-5]
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
http://1cweb.loc.gov/exhibits/gadd/
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/
http://www.nps.gov/linc/
http://www.mountvernon.org
http://www.civilrights.museum.org
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/mlk/