George Washington Lesson Plan

Homeschool Teacher - Lesson Plan & Newsletter
February 22, 2007

History
On this day in 1732, George Washington, our first president was born. Interestingly enough, George Washington was home schooled! Read more about George Washington here: http://www.helium.com/tm/175420/george-washington-first-president


Discussion Questions:
1. Who was the first President of the United States?

Journal
Make a chart with the titles "What I Think the President Does" and "What the President Really Does." Challenge your child to think about what they think are some of the tasks and responsibilities that the President of the United States has and record their suggestions. After hearing their suggestions, write a few responsibilities that the President has in the appropriate column such as carrying out the laws approved by Congress, appointing officials (or people that can help him run the country), and acting as commander in chief of the armed forces. Briefly explain these tasks in simple terms for them to understand, then compare the two columns to see if any of the suggestions match.

Math
Print an enlarged copy of George Washington's picture on the head of quarter. http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/pdf.htm?GeorgeWashingtonQuarter.pdf
Have your child glue this picture on the back of paper plate (or construction paper). Discuss that one quarter is worth 25 cents or 25 pennies. If your child can, have them write 25 cents on their paper quarter. Then turn the paper plate over. Provide a cup of pennies and have your child count out 25 pennies on to the paper plate.

For older children:
Using the pennies, see how many math facts you can make, write them on paper.

Language Arts

Read the poem following poem. Discuss the fact that the "Cherry Tree" is a myth.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

by Helen H. More
Everybody knows the story of the cherry tree-
His father asked, "Who cut this down?”
And young George answered, "Me!”
Now
that's a pretty story, but; Between just me and you,
I don't think George
would like it, 'cause,; It's probably not true!;
There are a lot of other
things George Washington did do:
Like making maps, and farming, and he
was a soldier, too!
He was our country’s president, the very first we
had.
Yet what do we remember? That old tree of George's dad

Art
Cherry Trees
Glue twigs on sheets of white construction paper to make trees. Let your child attach small red circle sticker "cherries" or use finger prints dipped into red finger paints.

Music
George Washington
(Sung to "Yankee Doodle")
One time there was a little boy
Who had a little hatchet
He looked and looked around to find
A little tree to catch it
At least he spied a cherry tree
His father's pride and joy
He chopped it down, right to the ground
My! What a naughty boy!
And then he heard an angry voice
It sounded like a cymbal
George knew he was in trouble great
And he began to tremble
Who cut this tree, my son did you?
His father asked the question.
Yes, it was I. I cannot lie.
I cut it with my hatchet!
Chorus:
Georgie, Georgie, no, no, no.
Be careful what you do.
Hatchets can be dangerous
And you might get hurt too!