Summer SAVY Session 1, Day 4 – The Makings of America
Day 4: Today in the Makings of America: Rebellion, Revolt, and Resolution, we began by examining copies of the Declaration of Independence. We had several students who were about to successfully memorize the opening. (I was so proud!) After that, we looked at some primary sources such as a letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams where he explained what he was feeling on July 3, 1776. Several of his predictions did hold true in history. We also spent some time working on our research with the biography subjects that the students had chosen earlier in the week. We listened to “Farmer Refuted” and “You’ll Be Back” from the musical Hamilton.
We talked about the King’s perspective on how the war would go. We wrapped up the afternoon by talking about the costs of war and the perspectives of the soldiers who were often ill-equipped. We read quotes from letters and journals to give the students an idea of a true perspective of the war.
Tonight, I would like for the students to think about life as a Revolutionary soldier. How do you think the soldiers’ lives were changed through their experiences? If you could talk to a soldier of the Continental Army, what would you ask him?
Dr. Dunlap