Summer SAVY, Session 1 Day 3, The Makings of America (3rd – 4th)
Today, we began by continuing our examination of key battles in the Revolutionary period. In the North, we examined Bunker Hill and Saratoga, in the Middle, Trenton and Brandywine, and finally, in the South, Sullivan’s Island and Kings Mountain. The students were able to see who was victorious, how many casualties were lost, and the effects afterward. Each of these battles was historically significant to the Revolution.
We also began to explore leadership in the Revolutionary period. The students were able to begin to analyze the effects of individuals on the events that occurred. In addition, the students read primary source documents from the time, including George Washington’s response to the Second Continental Congress and his letter to Martha Washington. Both of these documents provided us with insights into his perspective and personal doubts about his ability to lead.
I asked the students to reflect on the following essential questions as we began our study of the leaders of the American Revolution:
- What are the essential characteristics of a leader?
- Are leaders naturally born or are they the result of their circumstances?
Each of the students was able to choose a biography subject to study and present during our Gallery of the Greats on Friday. Students will be working in pairs and trios to gather information and research. They will complete the following pieces in preparation for their presentations:
- A timeline of the important events in the person’s life
- A paragraph discussing why this person was an important figure in the American Revolution and how the Revolution caused change in the person’s life
- A visual representation of something important to the person’s life
- Two quotes from primary sources written by or about the person
I am so looking forward to hearing their presentations. We were able to visit the computer lab today and find many interesting facts. However, your student may want to look up additional information tonight and also tomorrow, if desired.
Finally, we closed out our learning today by reviewing the Olive Branch Petition and the efforts at peace that ultimately failed. As we begin studying the Declaration of Independence, I would like for your student to complete the Exit Ticket for Day 3 if possible.
Work with a family member to practice memorizing, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
Bonus: Explain to a family member what those statements mean and why they are important.
I hope you have a wonderful evening; I am excited for the rest of our week together.
Dr. Dunlap