Early American History: George Washington ~ Week 12 Lesson Plan For Kindergarten and First Grade

This post is part of the Early American History series. For a suggested class schedule, an overview of the entire course, and links to more lesson plans, please see the introductory post.

In this lesson you will teach your students about George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I am an affiliate of Amazon, and will receive a small commission if a link on this page is used to make a purchase.

Suggested General Resources

World Wall Map
Map of U.S.A. or 13 Colonies
13-Star U.S.A. Flag for wall
Posters of Early Americans
Small Dot Stickers
Washable Markers, Crayons, and/or Colored Pencils
Glue Sticks
Plates, Bowls, Napkins, Utensils, Small Cups
Computer, Black and White Printer (color printer optional), and Printer Paper
Assembled Timeline File Folder for each child and Timeline Poster (click here for instructions and free printables)
Assembled History Journal filled with Worksheets for each child (click here for instructions and free printables)

Additional Items Recommended For This Lesson

A Picture Book of George Washington by David A. Adler
Colonial Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes
Fabric, potpourri, ribbon, twisty ties, pinking shears.
Basket of produce representing food that George Washington grew on his farm. Choose several from the following: apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, carrots, onions, leeks, turnips, parsnips, beets, kidney beans, peas, artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery.
Snack Items: Wheat Thins or other wheat crackers. Plus, cut up a few of the following: carrots, celery, apples, strawberries, pears, peaches, apricots, or cherries.

Week 12 Lesson Plan

For suggestions on how to conduct each activity below, please see the introductory post.

Year and Subject
1732 – 1799: George Washington (he became the first president in 1789)

Map Activity
Find Mount Vernon in Virginia.

Story
A Picture Book of George Washington by David A. Adler

Timeline Figure
Please click here for Timeline instructions and free printables.
George Washington

History Journal
Please click here for History Journal assembly instructions and free printables.
Catch up on unfinished worksheets.

Activity: Potpourri Sachets
Find the directions for Potpourri Sachets on page 36 of Colonial Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes. Page 33 also has directions for making your own potpourri. To save time, you can use purchased, pre-made potpourri available in craft shops or online.

Food: Produce Grown In Washington’s Garden
George Washington grew many different kinds of fruits and vegetables on his estate. Fruit trees included apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and apricots. Vegetables included carrots, onions, leeks, turnips, parsnips, beets, kidney beans, peas, artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, and celery. He also grew wheat and berries such as strawberries and currants. (Sources: Mount Vernon Landscape and Gardens and Ten Fact About the Gardens at Mount Vernon.)

I gathered several of the vegetables from the above list (plus an apple) in a basket to show my class. Many had never seen a leek or a turnip! We passed around the basket and allowed each student to handle the vegetables.

I cut up some carrots, celery, and apple ahead of time for snack. Wheat Thins crackers represented the wheat Washington grew. (I taught this lesson right before Thanksgiving, so berries were not in season.) For your snack you can choose among the vegetables and fruits currently available in your area.

Additional Take-Home Activity
George Washington Poster (The Light and the Glory: Children’s Activity Book – pages 60 – 61)

More Activity and Craft Ideas
Please see my American History Pinterest Board for more ideas!

Painting of George Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge by John Ward Dunsmore – Public Domain. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/91792202/