Today's Lesson: Thomas Jefferson

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." -Thomas Jefferson

This coloring sheet has a short paragraph about Thomas Jefferson. Read this biography for more information.  Test your knowledge of Jefferson with this multiple choice worksheet.  Fill in the blanks of this cloze worksheet.  Download this free worksheet packet from Mama's Learning Corner.  Have your kids put together this Thomas Jefferson paper craft.
Watch Liberty's Kids episode 13 "The First 4th of July," and this short video biography.  Build a design a house like Jefferson did, using the "Build Your Own House" activity.  If you have time, or would like to extend this lesson check out these books:




-Have Fun Learning!

Today's Lesson: The Real Paul Revere

Notice that there is no quote today? That's because I could not find an accurate one.  The line that Paul Revere is most famous for, is one that he never said.  The phrase "The British are coming!" was actually said by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem "Paul Revere's Midnight Ride," the link will take you to a copy that can be printed, but I also found an interactive version.  But here is a coloring sheet to add our collection. A short biography, a biography with a short video and some interesting facts that you may not know about Paul Revere.  Then make print out this fun mini activities book.

 Finish up your day Watch episode 5 "Midnight Ride " of Liberty's Kids featuring Paul Revere.

Note: If you have older kids that would like to go more into depth, this link is from an 8th grade history book. http://www.glencoe.com/gln/glencoe_literature/downloads/grade_8.pdf 
Here are some worksheets that are better suited to older kids as well.

Have Fun Learning!

Update on Today's Lessons with Liberty's Kids

Just wanted to let you all know that I am currently updating my "Today's Lesson" post to correlate to "Liberty's Kids" episodes.  Since me and the minion are studying the American Revolution and have been watching "Liberty's Kids"  I noticed that most of the episodes that we have already watched have some of the people that we have already studied (or will be studying).  So I am going back and adding a link to the episode along with the lesson plans and will be adding a link to all new posts.  I hope this helps! You can watch Liberty's Kids for free on YouTube, or if you don't want to be bothered with all the nasty buffering and inappropriate pop up ads you can buy the whole series on DVD.  I paid 7 bucks for mine!

Today's Lesson: Thomas Paine

We are continuing our lessons on the American Revolution. After being introduced to "Liberty's Kids" during our John Hancock lesson, the kids have become addicted!  These shows are a great way to get children involved in US History, especially my Sonshine who has a fondness for ancient Greek history and the Renaissance period. 

"The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection."-Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine coloring sheet The kids are making quite the collection of coloring sheets and quotes, it's really cool to see them constantly looking back at them, to talk about the people that they have learned about and the contributions that they have made to society.  Thomas Paine is known for his quotes, try this writing prompt, where kids can explain what this quote means to them.  I found a long biography of Thomas Paine who is best known for writing controversial articles, among them his most famous work "Common Sense," a 50 page pamphlet that called for America's independence from the British.  Here is also a short version of his biography and multiple choice questions.  Have older kids use this abridged version of "Common Sense" that includes questions on each section.  Then watch Thomas Paine on Liberty's Kids "Common Sense" (episode 12).


Have fun learning!

Today's Lesson: John Adams

Keeping with our "Founding Fathers" theme today's quote was one by our second president, John Adams.
"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever." -John Adams 
Here is our coloring sheet of the day.   We are still studying the Declaration of Independence this week so I thought this quote would be fitting. There were 56 people who signed this famous document and two of them (including John Adams) were future presidents.  Here is a short video and biography of John Adams which includes information about the construction of the White House (there is a small link under the video window). About.com has a nice selection of eight different worksheets about John Adams.  Mamaslearningcorner.com has free printable as well.  Kids can have fun with a word scramble, or fill in the blanks of this cloze worksheet.  We are also reading a book Understanding the Declaration of Independence Reading Discovery Level 3 Reader (Fast Fact Book)
Here's a Liberty's Kids episode featuring John Adams "Postmaster General Franklin" (episode 10).

Have Fun Learning!

Today's Lesson: John Hancock and the Declaration of Independence

Today I decided to go way back in history and work on more of the founding of this country.  I love history, but I know is can be really, REALLY boring for little ones (and some big ones too) unless you have lots of interesting stories to tell.  This lesson ties in with the Samuel Adams one I did last week. 

"There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles!" -John Hancock
Here is the coloring sheet that we used, and here is worksheet the kids can use to make their own John Hancock trading card. (I plan on keeping the full sheet and having the kids make a founding fathers book.)
This quote led me to teach the kids about the Declaration of Independence.  Sonshine is working on this more advanced lesson for high school level kids. This one is just right for younger kids like Teenie, and she will also be making her own book. 
If you have time check out funwithhistory.com, it has some really cool interactive activities like this one about the Boston Tea Party.  My kids love watching videos and I was so happy when I found a couple of Schoolhouse Rock videos on YouTube, The Shot Heard Around the World, and No More Kings.  There is also a bunch of Liberty's Kids videos on YouTube that are great for getting the kids interested in history, here's one on with John Hancock and "The Second Continental Congress." (Episode 8)
  Have Fun Learning!