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early American history

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

September 20, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to create a creditworthy American history course with resources. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool High School.

Whether you want to create a standalone creditworthy American history course for your teen or you want to enhance the interest level of your current American history curriculum, you’ll love these tips.

Here’s a seasoned veteran tip.

Use lower grade level resources to put important topics in a nutshell.

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

To get a quick glimpse of major events, use what you have at the house or that you can get at a library to get a quick glimpse of major events.

Lower level resources can give you an easy starting point when teaching a new topic.

5 TIPS FOR CREATING A CREDITWORTHY HISTORY COURSE

Then, look at these 5 seasoned veteran tips that will make creating your own American History high school course easy.

1. KNOW YOUR STATE LAW.

Be familiar with your state homeschool laws so you can meet the requirements as you build an American history course.

A lot of states don’t have specific requirements, some do. Just be sure you know so that you can cover it.

2. TRACK YOUR TEEN’S TIME.

The rule of thumb is that one course credit is equal to 120 hours. Obviously one-half a credit is 60 hours.

What is not so obvious is deciding how to meet the hours requirement.

It also does not mean that all of the hours need to come from textbooks.

Also, look at my post Homeschool High School–How to Log Hours for High School to give yourself time to learn more about how to truly count hours.

3. FOLLOW YOUR TEEN’S INTEREST. THINK OUT OF THE PUBLIC-SCHOOL BOX STANDARDS.

Don’t hem in your teen’s creative expression on how to meet the hour requirement.

If you have the control in your state to determine how to fill the credit requirement, then think beyond what public school dictates as traditional learning.

Look at this list of ideas to add to your course and ways to meet the time requirement.

Mix and match these activities to meet the needs of an American history credit.

  • Read a textbook
  • Read living books
  • Essays
  • Hands-on projects
  • Prepare a speech
  • Review primary resources
  • Learn history through art
  • Learn history through geography
  • Learn about fashion of the period
  • Apprenticeships
  • Watch movies
  • Cook a period recipe
  • Focus on one or more history makers like Abe Lincoln or George Washington or Wyatt Earp. Look at my lapbook Free American History Lapbook The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp.
  • Learn history through music
  • Take field trips like attending a play, music performance and art museum
  • Do a lapbook on a period in American History like our FBI lapbook for high school
How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources). You'll love these EZ steps for creating your own curriculum @Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

The fun part begins when you and your teen decide if he will cover only history for the whole 120 hours or if you’ll mix and match with other subjects.

4. DETERMINE IF THE COURSE WILL BE HALF-CREDIT, FULL YEAR CREDIT OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you can adjust a course to a teen’s likes and passions.

For example, if a teen is a writer, then he can focus on writing while learning history.

So history could be a .60 credit and creative writing about history a .60 credit.

Alternately, if you want to add a literature element, then history may be a full 1 credit and literature could be a one-half credit.

If your teen is a budding artist and doesn’t like history so much, then he can cover history while doing art. You and your teen determine how to divide up the hourly credit.

5. IF YOU BEGIN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL YOU CAN STILL COUNT IT AS HIGH SCHOOL AS LONG AS YOU USE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL RESOURCES.

By starting in middle school, your teen can go slower or take his time and dig deeper if there is a passion for history.

As long as the resource you’re using is high school level, then you can count the credit on the transcript.

American Homeschool History Outline

Although my teens had some say in the topics, they didn’t have the final say.

I wanted to be sure my teens were exposed to a wide variety of topics.

But it’s not necessary to cover all the events, people, or topics at the same depth.

I find that looking at the table of contents of any American History textbook can serve as a beginning point for an outline.

You can easily use it as a reference or make your own course outline.

AMERICAN HISTORY EVENTS AND PERIODS TO COVER

Look at one I created to get you started.

  • Columbus
  • The First People of America
  • The American Colonies
  • The American Revolution
  • Creating the Constitution
  • The Age of Jefferson
  • The Age of Jackson
  • Religion and Reform
  • Manifest Destiny
  • The Civil War
  • Reconstruction
  • Industrial Growth
  • The Gilded Age
  • World War I
  • The 1920s
  • The Great Depression
  • Truman and the Cold War
  • The Eisenhower Years
  • The 1960s and Vietnam
  • Present

5 American History Enhancements

As you can see you quickly can draft a diy American History course that your teen will be passionate about.

After doing American History several times with each of my grads, I mixed and match different resources.

Key to keeping it easy is to have a variety of resources at your fingertips.

Look at these 5 American history resources that you can use to enhance or flesh out your course. It’s not that hard, I promise.

I’ve listed living books, a hands-on history resource and even a book to us a spine in a story form which is how we prefer to learn.

5 History Resources for Teens

Laid out resources can help you put together an easy creditworthy American history course for teens.

America: Ready-To-Use Interdisciplinary Lessons & ActivitIes for Grades 5-12

Use this as a springboard for ideas. I loved this resource because it helped me to have ideas to include my younger kids while teaching my high school kid.

Too, I could expand an idea in the book to a high school level. Like it says, it’s a great big book of ideas to teach about American history.

A History of US: Eleven-Volume Set (A ^AHistory of US)

Whether it's standing on the podium in Seneca Falls with the Suffragettes or riding on the first subway car beneath New York City in 1907, the books in Joy Hakim's A History of US series weave together exciting stories that bring American history to life. Readers may want to start with War, Terrible War, the tragic and bloody account of the Civil War that has been hailed by critics as magnificent. Or All the People, brought fully up-to-date in this new edition with a thoughtful and engaging examination of our world after September 11th. No matter which book they read, young people will never think of American history as boring again. Joy Hakim's single, clear voice offers continuity and narrative drama as she shares with a young audience her love of and fascination with the people of the past.

The World of Captain John Smith

Genevieve Foster wrote this nearly fifty years ago. It resonates with perhaps more truth today. As a result of this clarion call we have sold many of her enduring "World" titles because of the timeless nature of her books. Her writing style is clear, concise and fluid with her greatest strength as a storyteller being her ability to bring her readers right into the minds and times of her characters.Abraham Lincoln's WorldGeorge Washington's WorldWorld of William PennWorld of Columbus and SonsWorld ofCaptain John Smith.

The Yanks are Coming: The United States in the First World War

Use living books which bring history to life.

One of my son’s favorite authors is Albert Marrin. His books make it easy to cover
topics using a story format and avoiding boring textbooks.

Look at all of the ones for American history.

A History of the American People

Paul Johnson’s History of the American People is like a history form of American History and covers major events and times. We used it like a spine or main resource. Then dig into further topics after that.

In addition, hands-on games bring a different element to the day and keep teens from taking all so seriously.

Add in hands-on games and fun if your kid loves hands-on.

Hands-on history is not just for the young.

If your teen learns best by hands-on then assign one or two projects as a grade.

I used Home School in the Woods projects to help me come up with ideas for my teens.

Include your younger kids too and the day can be fun while your teen gets his credit hours.

I love this format because if you have to teach American History a few times over, there is always room for a unique slant or perspective.

How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources). You'll love these EZ steps for creating your own curriculum @Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Avoid the boredom and blahs by using different resources.

What else do you like to include for your teen?

MORE CREDITWORTHY AMERICAN HISTORY COURSE ACTIVITIES

  • Modern U.S. and World History High School Literature
  • 7 Unique Ways to Supplement U.S. History for High School
  • 10 Early American History Events that Happened in Fall for Homeschool Middle or High School
  • How to Grade Hands-on Homeschool Activities and Projects (Free Rubric for Grading)
  • Daniel Boone – North American Explorer Unit Study and Free Lapbook
  • American Revolution and Free Lapbook
  • 7 Things to Try When a Homeschool History Curriculum Isn’t Coming Together (Hint: Try a Primary Source or Two)
  • How to Use a History Spine to Build Your Study of History

Leave a CommentFiled Under: History Resources, Teach Homeschool History Tagged With: american history, early American history, high school, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolhistory, middleschool

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

May 13, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In addition to 6 great kids movies about Paul Revere I’m sharing fun resources, hands-on activities, and an upcycled lantern craft. Also, look at my page American Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook 1775 – 1783.

While some were still loyal to the British crown many colonists were not happy with the overreaching hand of their government.

They wanted to decide who had the authority to impose taxes – Britain or colonial governments.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

This led to the American Revolutionary War in a fight for independence and the exciting birth of a new nation – The United States of America.

Paul Revere has been lauded throughout history for his part in the events that led to this.

“To arms, to arms! The British are coming, the British are coming!”

Those words were uttered by the revolutionary war hero Paul Revere on the night of April 18, 1775.

While he wasn’t the only one who made the ride that night to warn of the British patrols, he has been the most famous.

Besides Paul Revere making the ride, Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell, William Dawes, and Sybil Ludington made the late-night ride.

“One if by land, two if by sea!”

As a way of communicating, he arranged that if two lanterns were hung in the church then the British were approaching by land across the Boston Neck, and two lanterns meant they were coming by sea across the Charles River.

Kids Books About Paul Revere

First, look at these books about Paul Revere.

We use living books when we can find them. Also, I like to add reference books to our study.

8 Paul Revere Resources & Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

I couldn't ride off into the night without giving you a handful of fantastic resources to make your Paul Revere study even more fun and memorable.

Who Was Paul Revere?

In 1775, Paul Revere of Boston made his now-famous horseback ride warning colonists of an impending attack by the British. This event went largely unnoticed in history until Longfellow celebrated it in a poem in 1861. So who was Paul Revere? In addition to being an American patriot, he was a skilled silversmith and made false teeth from hippo tusks! This biography, with black-and-white illustrations throughout, brings to life Paul Revere's thrilling ride as well as the personal side of the man and the exciting times in which he lived.

Landmarks of American History Volume 3 Paul Revere and the Minute Men

Landmarks of American History, Vol. 3: Paul Revere and the Minute Men. 1950 American history book.

And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?

Everyone knows about Paul Revere's midnight ride. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. This timeless and witty book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere.

Mr. Revere and I

Paul Revere didn't make his famous midnight ride alone. Meet a patriot unlike any other: Scheherazade, the mare who doesn't mind mentioning she was once the fastest and most admired horse in the King's army. But on arrival in America, "Sherry" is quickly let down by her British rider and recruited by Sam Adams to join the Sons of Liberty. Before long, she finds herself teamed with Raul Revere to play a key-if unnoticed-role in the American Revolution. Full of wit and wisdom, this beloved classic presents an unforgettable view to the birth of a nation-straight from the horse's mouth!

Paul Revere's Ride

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere." So begins the immortal poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of America's most famous poets. With racing, musical verse and dazzling illustrations, readers will experience the thrilling night that Paul Revere raised the alarm throughout the countryside and stoked the fires of the American Revolution.

Colonial Style Tricorn Hat - Revolutionary War Deluxe Hat

Tricorn Hat With Colonial Jabot and Cuffs Costume.

Great Battles for Boys The American Revolution

History leaps off the page and captures even reluctant readers as early colonial protests, such as the Boston Tea Party, bring even more tyranny from King George III. With a declaration of war from England and the appointment of George Washington as commander of the Continental Army, the revolution’s real battles begin.

Safari Ltd Revolutionary War Continental Army TOOB

Historic Figurines: This Designer TOOB contains 5 figurines significant to the Revolutionary War - a flag bearer, a musketeer, a drummer boy, a fifer, and the iconic George Washington. These figures stand proudly in their battle-ready poses.

Next, look at some fun facts about Paul Revere.

Facts about Paul Revere

The main importance of Revere’s ride was to warn revolutionary leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were planning to arrest them.

This act helped them evade arrest and escape.

A few fascinating things to note about Paul Revere:

  • Was also known for his art such as copper plate engravings and his illustrations were used in books, magazines, political cartoons and tavern menus.
  • He was the father to 16 children.
  • Born in Boston he was the son of French immigrants.
  • He was a silversmith by trade.
  • The horse he rode that night was borrowed from a man named John Larkinand believed to be named Brown “Beauty.”
6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Next look at some movies about Paul Revere.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere

  1. Watch Paul Revere For Kids on YouTube from Homeschool Pop, one of my favorite homeschool resources.
  2. Liberty’s Kids 105 – The Midnight Ride with Paul Revere & William Dawes
  3. America The Story Of Us Season 1 episode 2 and 3 cover the American Revolution specifically but this is a great history series.
  4. Paul Revere and the American Revolution – Fast Facts is a great option for families with older kids to dig a little deeper into this period of history.
  5. Make it a really fun and whimsical watch with this LEGO movie of Paul Revere’s ride. This is the kind of history kids love to get into.
  6. Here is a video listing 10 Facts About Paul Revere, simple and straightforward.
6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Additionally, look at some hands-on activities for the American Revolution.

Look at my 10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science and Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages.

Finally, look at how to make a lantern to use with a Paul Revere unit study or about the American Revolution.

How To Make A Lantern

You will need:

  • Cardboard milk carton
  • Craft paint
  • Straight blade or knife
  • Paintbrushes
  • Pipe cleaner
  • cardstock
  • Battery operated tea light
  • Hot glue
6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

First, wash out the carton well with water and a little soap and rinse thoroughly.

Make a template for your lantern as long and as wide as you would like the opening on each side to be.

I did this by cutting a rectangle from a piece of cardboard backing from a paper pack.

Trace template on each of the 4 sides.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Use a sharp blade to cut each of the 4 sides out.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Dry the inside with a paper towel.

Paint the outside and inside as well if you like.

To give mine an old, tarnished look I painted it black and while it was still wet streaked gold paint lightly over it.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Allow it to dry completely.

Make a loop with a pipe cleaner.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Hot glue the loop to the top of your lantern with one curve on each side for stability to create a hanging loop.

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Add a small battery-operated candle inside the lantern for the light and it is ready to warn of invasion!

6 Kids Movies About Paul Revere | How To Make A Lantern

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, early American history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschool

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

January 29, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making simple American history silhouette puzzles to go along with any prominent US history figure that you need a great activity for. Also, look at my post 35 Simple But Powerful US History Homeschool Curriculum Resources K to 12 for more ideas.

Silhouettes were done in profile (side view) and became popular in the mid-18th century, but the term did not become commonly used until the early 19th century.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

It was initially achieved by outlining shadows and then filling them in and later painting or hand cutting.

We are going to learn not only how to make a silhouette but how to turn it into a puzzle for a hands-on activity.

This will help engage your child’s mind to learn and remember more about the person they are learning about.

This time I focused on Abraham Lincoln (even without the hat), George Washington and first Lady Dolley Madison.

These are a few famous Americans who have well-known faces, even in silhouette form so they make for great subjects.

We focused even more on the wonderful contributions of Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison.

We learned some fascinating facts and I have also included a handful of great American History resources for you to use to make a full and fun unit study full of hands-on ideas on your favorite American History topic.

Books About Founding Mothers & Early American History

9 Books about the Founding Mothers

Learn about the founding mothers brings history to life.

Dolley Madison and the War of 1812: America's First Lady (Courageous Women in American History)

Amidst the nonstop turmoil of the War of 1812, the decisive First Lady takes action and inspires an anxious nation.Dolley Madison faces a bitterly divided Washington City when her husband, James Madison, becomes our fourth president. The prospect of war against Great Britain threatens to tear our fragile republic apart. The "Presidentess" hosts open parties in the new President's House to unite political foes and cultivate an American identity.When President Madison declares war with disastrous results, Dolley carries on, ignoring the threats against her. However, as British soldiers march toward Washington City, she becomes their target. Now America's Second War of Independence hinges on her. What must she do to save the United States while also saving herself?The true story of a woman with humble Quaker roots who rallies America during the War of 1812!

Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies

Roberts traces the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women’s courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that “remembered the ladies.”

This compelling book, based on the author's acclaimed work for adults, Founding Mothers, includes a rich time line, biographies, an author’s note, and additional web resources in the back matter.

Parents and educators looking for a more in-depth book beyond the Rosie Revere and Rad Women series will welcome Founding Mothers.

1776

In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence—when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper. Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is a powerful drama written with extraordinary narrative vitality. It is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the King’s men, the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known.

Those Who Love: A Biographical Novel of Abigail and John Adams

Novel unfolds the warm and deeply moving love story of two America's most exciting people : Abigail Smith and John.

Guns for General Washington: A Story of the American Revolution

This exciting middle grade novel is the true story of Will Knox, a nineteen-year-old young man who transported 183 cannons from New York’s Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—in the dead of winter—to help George Washington win an important battle.

Paul Revere's midnight ride...Washington crossing the Delaware...the winter crisis at Valley Forge... Some events in America's War for Independence are known to all. This book brings to history fans the story of another true episode, just as dramatic but not nearly as well known.

As you read these pages, you will agree that Colonel Knox's great adventure was a stirring, suspenseful, and important event in American history.

Dolly Madison; (Landmark books, 47)

Landmark Young Readers of America explores the story of Dolly Madison.

Martha Washington: An American Life

With this revelatory and painstakingly researched book, Martha Washington, the invisible woman of American history, at last gets the biography she deserves. In place of the domestic frump of popular imagination, Patricia Brady resurrects the wealthy, attractive, and vivacious young widow who captivated the youthful George Washington. Here are the able landowner, the indomitable patriot (who faithfully joined her husband each winter at Valley Forge), and the shrewd diplomat and emotional mainstay. And even as it brings Martha Washington into sharper and more accurate focus, this sterling life sheds light on her marriage, her society, and the precedents she established for future First Ladies.

Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution

Abigail Adams is often referred to as the wife of one president and the mother of another. Rarely is she described as a woman in her own right. Although her primary focus and concerns were in her role as wife and mother, she lives in history because of her extraordinary letters to her family and to her friends.She was a witness to the gathering storm of the Revolutionary War. She saw the Battle of Bunker Hill from a hilltop near her home, and soldiers marching past her door frequently stopped for a drink of water. Because she was so close to the scene, she was able to give firsthand reports of the American Revolution to her husband and other leaders creating a new government, as she wrote about the times and the people who played vital roles in the birth of our nation.Mingling the intimate with the momentous, she documented what it was like to live at a time when education was not available to young women, and when pregnancy and childbirth meant the fear of death. Colonial women were called upon to make life-and-death decisions for their children, to educate their daughters, and to run their farms when their husbands were away for months, or sometimes for years, at a time. Yet they had, at best, second-class legal and political status.Abigail Adams's independent spirit, her sense of humor, and her remarkable intellect, as shown in her letters, open a wide window on a crucial period in our nation's history, and bring Abigail Adams and her time to life.

Betsy Ross: Designer of Our Flag (Childhood of Famous Americans)

In this narrative biography, you’ll learn all about the childhood of Betsy Ross—from her birth on January 1, 1752, as the eighth of seventeen children, to her Quaker upbringing, to her growing love for sewing and apprenticeship to an upholsterer. Discover how and why Betsy began making flags—and some surprising info about her legendary contribution to America.

8 Facts about First Lady Dolley Madison

  1. Dolley Madison was the wife and the first lady of James Madison, the fourth president of the United States from 1809-1817.
  1. She was expelled from her Quaker community for marrying outside her faith when she wed James Madison (her second husband).
  1. Dolley Madison was known for using her social skills, charm and personal popularity to win over her husband’s political opponents and strongly influenced bipartisan efforts.
  1. Her biggest claim to fame is for saving Washington’s portrait when the British burned the White House in the War of 1812. While she did not carry it out herself, she ordered servants to grab it and carry it to safety.
  1. Lesser known is the fact that she was the first American and the first of all first ladies to answer a telegraph message.
  1. While her husband served as Secretary of State for Thomas Jefferson, Dolley acted as White House hostess for the widowed president Jefferson and set a precedent for excellence among future first ladies.
  1. Dolley was the first lady to decorate the White House, previously filled with used and worn pieces.
  1. This popular first lady was quoted as saying “It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire knowledge of other people’s business.” Smart lady!
How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Next, look at more hands-on American history activities for kids.

More American History Activities for Kids

  • How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft
  • 10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science
  • Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam
  • Free American History Lapbook The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp
  • American Frontier Legends and Hero Paul Bunyan Blue Ox Craft
  • American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
  • Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study
  • 18 American History Board Games Which Brings History to Life
  • Amazing and Free American Revolution Lapbook for Multiple Ages

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles

You will need:

  • White cardstock
  • Black cardstock
  • Pencil
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Printed profile image of historical figure
How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

First, search google for a good side view picture of whoever you want to make a silhouette for. Print it to the size desired.

Cut out the side view picture preserving as much of the profile detail as you can, hair, nose, etc. This will help your figure be more identifiable.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Trace the image with a pencil onto your black cardstock.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Cut out the image carefully.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Cover the entire “backside” with glue and press onto the center of your white cardstock, smooth and press it out well, be sure all the edges adhere to the paper.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

If desired, draw a photo frame around the border of your image with paint or markers.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Once dry, cut your entire page into puzzle shapes, keep the shapes simple and less for younger children and more complicated and more for older children.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

You can also recreate the silhouette effect with your family’s own profile image as well.

How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, americancivilwar, crafts, early American history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

October 25, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a George Washington craft which is how to build a fun sugar cube white house. Also, grab some ideas from my post American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study.

It was October 13th,1792 that George Washington laid the cornerstone on the White House even though he never set foot in it.

It is the most famous residence in the U.S and has housed many presidents and their families since it was first built.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Sugar cubes are a great medium for building structures and when finished this is completely edible except for a small piece of cardstock we are going to use.

Even the “glue” is edible.

6 White House Facts

First, let’s run down some facts about the White House.

The official address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC.20500.

  1. Even though George Washington laid the cornerstone of the White House, he is the only president never to have lived there as it was not completed until 1800.
  2. The White House has- 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels. Inside you will find 412 doors, 147 windows, 8 staircases, 3 elevators, and 28 fireplaces.
  3. It takes nearly 600 gallons of paint to recover the outside surface.
  4. D.C stands for District of Columbia.
  5. The White House was originally known as “The President’s House” but in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt officially changed it to the well-known nickname “The White House”.
  6. In 1814 British soldiers set fire to the White House and it took 3 years to repair the damage.
How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Also, add some of these books and resources about the president and the white house to your learning day.

White House and Presidential Resources

10 Resources about U.S. Presidents and The White House

Here are some books to add to a presidential unit study that cover a good variety of ages.

What Presidents Are Made Of

See America’s presidents as never before—made of objects! Using everything from blue jeans to boxing gloves, Hanoch Piven “builds” the characters of eighteen of our nation’s leaders. Revealing anecdotes accompany the creative collages and lend insight to the charismatic personalities of prominent presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama, resulting in an irresistible resource.

Our Country's Presidents: A Complete Encyclopedia of the U.S. Presidents

Revised and updated to include the winner of the 2020 presidential election, this photo-filled and fact-packed book is a timely must-have reference.National Geographic presents the 45 individuals who have led the U.S. in this up-to-date, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated family, school, and library reference.

A Kid's Guide to U.S. Presidents: Fascinating Facts About Each President

Concise and Interesting Guide to the U.S. Presidents Updated to Include President Biden

A Kid’s Guide to U.S. Presidents contains a concise and interesting summary of each president’s background and accomplishments from George Washington to Joe Biden.The role of the president has been an important one throughout the history of the United States. This engaging look at each president and their impact on the country is the perfect introduction to get kids interested and excited about learning about history and politics.

Politics for Beginners

While it isn't specifically about the presidency, this book offers a lot of good information on political parties, elections, and the presidents relationships with other people who hold important political careers.

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents

Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents is a chronological field guide to all 45 of America's chief executives, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. A hands-on reference, it includes more than 50 grommeted, die-cut cards featuring a full-color image of each president along with facts about his personal and political life.Which President made the Louisiana Purchase? Which President won a Nobel Peace Prize? Which President also served as justice of the Supreme Court? Who was in office during the Teapot Dome scandal, and who endured the childhood nickname “Useless”?

Toobs: USA Presidents

8 PROFESSIONALLY SCULPTED FIGURINES – This themed collection is perfect for U.S. History buffs. It includes 8 professional sculpted busts of some of the most influential presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and JFK.

Who Was George Washington?

In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He has been called the father of our country for leading America through its early years. Washington also served in two major wars during his lifetime: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. With over 100 black-and-white illustrations, Washington's fascinating story comes to life - revealing the real man, not just the face on the dollar bill!

Where Is the White House?

The history of the White House, first completed in 1799, reflects the history of America itself. It was the dream of George Washington to have an elegant "presidential mansion" in the capital city that was named after him. Yet he is the only president who never got to live there. All the rest have made their mark--for better or worse--on the house at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Megan Stine explains how the White House came to be and offers young readers intriguing glimpses into the lives of the First Families--from John and Abigail Adams to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The First Book of presidents

This book is good to use as a beginner spine.

George Washington and the Founding of A Nation

A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

More American History Resources

  • Free American History Lapbook The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp
  • Free The Trail Of Tears For Kids Fun Unit Study Ideas And Lapbook
  • American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
  • Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study
  • 18 American History Board Games Which Brings History to Life

Finally, look how to make this sugar cube white house.

White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft   

You will need:

  • Sugar cubes
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Green food coloring
  • Black food coloring
  • Small piece of cardstock
  • Clean sanitized paintbrush
  • Something for the base
How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

First, I picked up a plastic cutting board from Dollar Tree to use for the base of the Whitehouse.

It is a good size, sturdy, and is easy to move it around on if needed.

Mix a tablespoon of powdered sugar with a drop of green food coloring and a few drops of milk.

Then stir, add a few drops at a time and stir just until the consistency is like icing for cookies (which is exactly what you just made).

It is very easy to make it too runny so go slow adding the liquid.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Use a clean sterile paintbrush to “paint” the colored icing onto your base for the White House lawn.

Allow it to dry, it shouldn’t take but just a few minutes.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Now mix up several more tablespoons of powdered sugar and milk, leaving it white.

George Washington Craft – The White House

This will act as the glue for your sugar cube stones.

Dip the bottom of a cube in the icing, let it drip for a couple seconds.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Then begin laying out your base foundation, laying cubes with the icing on the bottom in a line.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Continue dipping and placing cubes, creating a rectangle all the way around to define the size and shape.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Now dip and layer, building upwards, we went 4 cubes up to start.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Stack 4 columns of 4 cubes in the front, a very identifiable piece of the White house.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

To create the floor on the north portico, the front porch, “paint” it in with the white icing right over the green.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Now cut a piece of cardstock to fit the roof, coming out over the columns as well.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Go around the entire circumference of the cardstock including the front portico with a single row of sugar cubes dipped in icing.

If the icing you are using from the bowl begins to set add a couple drops of milk and stir to loosen it up.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

If desired, build a triangle in front over the portico using cubes and icing.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Mix up a small amount of icing with black food coloring or you can pick up black icing reading made in a squeeze tube.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Use a small paint brush to add windows and a door to the front.

How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, early American history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, The White House, U.S. Presidents

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

October 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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You can’t dive deep into a study about our bid for independence from Britain without including some great hands-on Revolutionary War activities. You’ll also love my page American Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook 1775 – 1783.

The Revolutionary War was a major turning point in America’s bid for freedom and showed the rest of the world that they could defeat a foreign power and it forged a nation.

There were many pivotal moments leading up to and during the war like – The Stamp Act, The Townshend Acts, The Boston Massacre, The Coercive Acts, the British attacks on coastal towns, and of course the Boston Tea Party

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

When brainstorming activities for the Revolutionary War I immediately thought of the Boston Tea Party and this science activity that gives a nod to the famous Boston Tea Party.

It is amazing tea bag rocket science.

All you will need are basic supplies you have at home, and it is quick to set up as well as complete activity.

You may as well go ahead and write off the whole box of tea.

It’s such a fun and amazing science experiment that your kids will want to do it over and over.

8 Facts about the American Revolutionary War 

First, add some facts about the American Revolutionary War.

  1. The American Revolution was the conflict that led to the 13 American colonies of Great Britain gaining their freedom.
  2. American soldiers were known as Minutemen because they were trained to be prepared to fight” at a moment’s notice.
  3. The American Revolution was also called the United States War of Independence or American Revolutionary War.
  4. A female patriot by the name of Deborah Sampson joined the Continental Army by disguising herself as Robert Shurtleff and managed to avoid detection for two years. She received an honorable discharge and an entire military pension.
  5. There were 200 original copies of the Declaration of Independence printed by John Dunlap, printer. All 56 members of the Second Continental Congress signed one copy, which is still on display at the National Archives. 
  6. They made top-secret messages using ferrous sulfate and water. Dr. James Jay developed an “invisible ink” that was used for hidden messages and dried clear, making it impossible to read. Held over a heat source it became visible.
  7. Revere’s total distance was about 12.5 miles and probably lasted about 15 minutes, going from North Boston to Lexington, Massachusetts.
  8. The end of the American Revolution came in the form of the Paris Treaty of 1783.
10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Also, you’ll love some of the books about the American Revolution.

I always lean toward living books first and add a variety for different reading levels.

Books and Resources for Kids Who Love Learning About the American Revolution

Add some of these books to your library or learning day for your kids.

George Vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides

There are two sides to every story. Rosalyn Schanzer's engaging and wonderfully illustrated book brings to life both sides of the American Revolution. The narrative introduces anew the two enemies, both named George: George Washington, the man who freed the American colonies from the British, and George III, the British king who lost them. Two leaders on different sides of the Atlantic, yet with more in common than we sometimes acknowledge. We are lead through their story, and the story of their times, and see both sides of the arguments that divided the colonies from the Kingdom. Was King George a "Royal Brute" as American patriots claimed? Or was he, as others believed, "the father of the people?" Was George Washington a scurrilous traitor, as all the king's supporters claimed? Or should we remember and celebrate him as "the father of his country?" Who was right? History teaches us that there are two sides to every story.

The Prize: Tales From a Revolution - Vermont

Caleb's father is serving with the militia as the longstanding tensions erupt into open war against the British, up and down the length of Lake Champlain. Between his duties on the family farm and constant worry about his father's safety, the young man's attentions are already fully occupied when a fateful encounter with an unlikely neighbor changes everything. Pulled into new intrigues and new friendships, Caleb finds himself on a path that changes his life - and which will affect the outcome of the whole war.

What Was the Boston Tea Party?

"No Taxation without Representation!" The Boston Tea Party stands as an iconic event of the American Revolution—outraged by the tax on tea, American colonists chose to destroy the tea by dumping it into the water! Learn all about the famed colonialists who fought against the British Monarchy, and read about this act of rebellion from our history! With black-and-white illustrations throughout and sixteen pages of photos, the Boston Tea party is brought to life!

Madeleine Takes Command

Madeleine Verchère's story is based on a true account of colonial French Canada of the 1690's. Harassed by Iroquois, the Verchère family's fort must keep a continual guard. Fourteen-year-old Madeleine is left alone with two younger brothers and few others when the Indians attack. We follow the brave and determined stratagems of Madeleine and her small circle. Madeleine's youthful leadership, especially of her brothers,
will win the reader's admiration.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.

Johnny Tremain: A Newbery Award Winner

Fourteen-year-old Johnny Tremain, an apprentice silversmith with a bright future ahead of him, injures his hand in a tragic accident, forcing him to look for other work. In his new job as a horse-boy, riding for the patriotic newspaper The Boston Observer and as a messenger for the Sons of Liberty, he encounters John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren.

Soon Johnny is involved in the pivotal events of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the first shots fired at Lexington. Powerful illustrations by artist Michael McCurdy help bring this classic novel for middle graders to life. "This sweeping tale of redcoats and revolutionaries has a lot to offer. Forbes, a historian, writes with detail and precision, imbuing historical events with life and passion that is often lacking in textbooks."

The Sign of the Beaver: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

When Matt's father leaves him on his own to guard their new cabin in the wilderness, Matt is scared but determined to be brave and prove that he can take care of himself. And things are going fine until a white stranger steals his gun, leaving Matt defenseless and unable to hunt for his food.

Liberty or Death: The American Revolution: 1763-1783 (American Story)

It began in Boston, with angry colonists objecting to the tyranny of a king who ruled from an ocean away.

It was voiced by patriots such as Sam Adams and Patrick Henry and echoed by citizens from New England all the way to the Carolinas.

It was fought by many -- colonists and patriots, Loyalists and slaves, Frontiersmen and Indians, British and French soldiers.

Over more than ten years, sides were taken, guns drawn, lives lost. But through it all, one man -- a general from Virginia named George Washington -- held the young colonies together and led them to victory, beating almost impossible odds.

History lovers Betsy and Giulio Maestro tell this true story of extraordinary times, incredible drama, and the birth of a new nation.

The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 (The American Story)

This ongoing series introduces our country's history to young readers in an appealing picture-book format. Clear, simple texts combine with informative, accurate illustrations to help young people develop an
understanding of America's past and present.

The New Americans is the story of the colonists -- the more than two hundred thousand new Americans -- who came over from Europe and struggled to build a home for themselves in a new world.

Ben's Revolution: Benjamin Russell and the Battle of Bunker Hill

History comes alive in this gripping account of a young boy caught up in the start of the Revolutionary War. Based on an episode in National Book Award–winning author Nathaniel Philbrick’s New York Times bestseller Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution, this engrossing story allows readers to experience history from a child’s perspective, and Wendell Minor’s stunning paintings will transport readers back to the early days of the Revolutionary War.   Benjamin Russell is in school on the morning of April 19th, 1775, when his teacher announces, “The war’s begun, and you may run!” Ben knew this day was coming; after all, tensions had been mounting between the colonists and the British troops ever since the Boston Tea Party. And now they have finally reached the breaking point. Ben and his friends excitedly rush out of their classroom to bear witness, and follow the throngs of redcoats marching out of Boston toward Concord. Much to Ben’s surprise, Boston is sealed off later that day—leaving the boys stuck outside the city, in the middle of a war, with no way to reach their families. But Ben isn’t worried—he’s eager to help the Patriots! He soon becomes a clerk to the jovial Israel Putnam, a general in the provincial army. For months he watches the militia grow into an organized army, and when the Battle of Bunker Hill erupts, Ben is awed by the bravery of the Patriots, although saddened by the toll war takes. He later goes on to become an apprentice at a Revolutionary newspaper, and it’s a happy day when they get to report on the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Then add some of the fun hands-on activities to learn about the American Revolution.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities

  1. Scroll down to find the DIY Spy Cypher and be as clever and mysterious as a spy.
  2. American Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook 1775 – 1783.
  3. Cook Recipes from Revolutionary War for Children: Honey-Jumble Cookies to improve reading, following directions, and of course, learning an ever-important life skill.
  4. A fun art project is Paul Revere’s Ride and 2 If By Sea Lanterns symbolizing his important ride to notify patriots that the British were on the way.
  5. Make Revolutionary War Shoeboxes, a simple diorama that helps give a feel for an event.
  6. Watch School House Rock Shot Heard Round the World America Rock.
  7. Put together a Revolutionary War Timeline to see the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
  8. Print the Revolutionary Word Search, Crosswords, and vocabulary sheets to familiarize your child with terms like Stamp Act, Sons of Liberty, etc.
  9. Create Paul Revere Puppets as you teach about his wild ride and the part he played.
  10.  Play Professor Noggin’s American Revolution to learn more facts and all about figures that were central to this period of history.
10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Finally, look at this awesome tea bag science activity to go along with this American Revolution Unit Study.

Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

While it may make you a bit nervous you don’t want to do this activity outside unless you are in a good area protected from wind, the tea bag rocket will only work if it stays upright and the smallest disturbance in the air will tip it.

You will need:

  • Tea bags
  • Lighter (long handled)
  • Scissors
  • Plate
10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

First, cut off the top of a folded-over tea bag.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Pour the tea on a plate (I used a flipped-over bowl for a launchpad).

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Open the tea bag into a cylinder and place it on top of your tea.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Light the top of the bag.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Watch it burn down.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Right as it gets to the bottom of the bag it will rise quickly up into the air, and the flame will die out quickly.

What is the science behind the tea bag rocket?

The fire creates hot air inside the tea bag cylinder. 

This hot air rises and lifts the bag into the air.

10 American Revolutionary War Activities | Amazing Tea Bag Rocket Science

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: american history, early American history, elementary science, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, science

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