Try some of these 10 fun ideas for learning about the French and Indian war for kids instead of reaching for a dry textbook. Look at my page French and Indian War 1754 -1763.
We are going to embark on a journey through time to explore the French and Indian War.
It was a conflict that shook the foundations of North America from 1754 to 1763 prior to the Revolutionary War.
We can do that with games, interesting books, facts, lapbooks, dioramas, and attention grabbing videos.
But first let me tell you a little bit more about the who, what, and why of it.
The French and Indian War was very important because it shifted the dynamic of power in North America.
It gave Britain control over a huge territory and removed French influence.
This in turn led to growing tensions between the British and the American colonies, which eventually led to the American Revolution.
The Native American people of the Algonquin, Lenape, Wyandot, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Shawnee, and the Mi’kmaq tribes sided with the French.
The Iroquois Confederacy, especially the Mohawk and Oneida, sided with the British.
It all started with a small skirmish at Fort Duquesne in 1754.
Little did anyone know that this would escalate into a full-blown war between France and Great Britain.
Let’s take a little peek at the timeline.
TIMELINE OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
1754- Tensions begin to simmer in the Ohio Valley. The French and British both claim ownership of the land, and neither side is willing to back down. The first shot is fired at Fort Duquesne, marking the beginning of the French and Indian War.
1755- The Battle of the Monongahela took place, and things didn’t go very well for the British. General Edward Braddock led his troops right into an ambush, and they suffered a brutal defeat.
1758- The tide begins to turn in favor of the British. They captured Fort Frontenac which was an important French stronghold on Lake Ontario.
1759- The pivotal moment of the war: the capture of Quebec City. This victory was a major blow to the French, and it pretty much sealed their fate.
1763- the Treaty of Paris was signed which officially ended the French and Indian War. Under the terms of the treaty, France had to give up a huge chunk of its land in North America to Britain.
As you teach your child about this important history, a way to make sure that everything sticks is by utilizing resources that appeal to their learning styles and are just plain fun for their hands and minds.
MORE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR CRAFTS FOR KIDS
- 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
- Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years
- Amazing Iroquois Confederacy: A Look at the First Democracy in North America
- Free Iroquois Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study for Kids
Finally, at this roundup of activities about the French and Indian War.
10 Easy Resources About The French And Indian War
One of these 10 amazing and easy resources are sure to be just what you need to give a fun hands-on aspect to your study on the French and Indian War for kids!
The French and Indian War was part of wider conflict between the European Powers.
It was called the Seven Years War and began in North American and spread to Europe.
Watch this quick video of the French and Indian War on Youtube together to learn more about the causes, people, and outcome.
In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came? This classic, first published in 1941, has an updated, kid-friendly format that includes the original black-and-white illustrations.
The French and Indian War was, like, a major deal in American history, and it’s the backdrop for this totally lit short story made just for young readers. This book takes kids on a wild ride through the tricky stuff of early American government, all wrapped up in a cool narrative that really captures the vibe of that chaotic time.So, imagine this: it’s the mid-1700s, and the British and French armies, plus their Native American homies, are totally going at it over land and resources in North America. Readers are gonna meet some brave characters who deal with the craziness of war, showing off some mad courage, teamwork, and why it’s important to see things from different angles. As kids dive into the action, they’ll learn about major battles, alliances, and how this war shaped America forever, no cap.Every chapter is like, crafted not just to tell a story but also to drop some serious knowledge
You could also add in these British Soldier figures to create a diorama and in a pitch could use the only Native American tribe they carry, the Powhatan.
Hoe cakes were described as George Washington’s favorite breakfast in which he ate them slathered in “butter and honey.” Over the next century, hoecakes eventually became a dish of regional pride and a staple on the Southern colonial table.
- Bayonets & Tomahawks is a two-player grand strategic game depicting the French & Indian War, which raged from 1755 to 1760 and in which France's North American empire was conquered.
- Take command of either the French or British to fight all facets of the conflict: army maneuvering, diplomacy with indigenous nations, raids, battles, construction, naval operations, sieges, and more.
- With scenarios varying from a single year to the whole war, as well as rules for team play, Bayonets & Tomahawks is perfect for new and experienced wargamers alike.
History Unboxed is a cool subscription box (or a la carte) that contains supplies for three different activities to match the period as well as information cards. They even have one for the French and Indian War that includes beeswax candle making, a flageolet, and supplies for a Native American Game.
Use these Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War cards to practice facts and important dates surrounding this period of history.
Both the British and French heavily used Native American tribes to gather intelligence; their knowledge of the terrain and enemy movement was very helpful to their cause. Employ some of their tricks with Kids Spy Activities: Invisible Ink & Secret Code.
