Famous Americans and Their Contributions
Session 1: Contributions of George Washington

Materials

• Book about/pictures of George Washington
• Paper and art supplies

Instructional Activities

1. Show students pictures of George Washington. Ask students what they know about him. Write their responses on a KWL chart about George Washington under “What We Know.” The following graphic organizer Web sites may be helpful:
   •    <http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/>  
   •    <http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm>.
   
   

KWL Chart for George Washington
What We Know	What We Want to Know	What We Learned



2. Review the Essential Knowledge students covered in kindergarten about George Washington.
   •    He was the first president of the United States and often called the “Father of Our Country.”
   
   
3. Ask students what they would like to learn about George Washington, and write their questions under the “What We Want to Know” section of the KWL chart.
   
   
4. Read a book to students about George Washington. Discuss any new information from the book, and add this information to the KWL chart under What We Learned. Have a class discussion about Washington's lifestyle, including topics such as style of clothing, methods of transportation, types of foods, occupations, and homes.
   
   
5. Add the following information on the KWL chart if it is not already listed:
   •    George Washington was born in Virginia.
   •    He was a farmer.
   •    He became a brave leader of soldiers.
   •    He was the first President of the United States.
   •    He is known as the “Father of Our Country.”
   
   
6. Underscore that George Washington was an important person in our country’s history and made many contributions to America. Ask students if they know ways in which people honor and remember George Washington. Write the student responses on a chart. The following Web sites may be helpful:
   •     Timelines, activities, crafts, and coloring printouts about George Washington <http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/history/us/pres/washington/index.shtml>   
   •    Famous Americans by Anne Pemberton features George Washington <http://www.educationalsynthesis.org/famamer/Washington.html>
   •    A brief biography of George Washington from the White House Web site <http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html>
   
   
7. Complete the “What We Learned” section of the KWL chart with students.