Implementing our American Revolution Unit Study is as easy as pie! We took a gentle approach to this unit study and it paid off. Sometimes I can be too prepared, too planned, and in those moments, I lose sight of the homeschool vibe. I have been known to get overwhelmed or stressed by our inability to finish what I planned. When this happens, it makes me feel defeated and deflated. During those times, I lose perceptive on all the things we did do, discuss, and accomplish. This unit study isn’t like that. Our American Revolution Unit Study evolved over a few weeks and we were deliberately slow and steady in our study of the time period. I hope that you find the following ideas and resources encouraging and inspiring. With just a little bit of intention and effort, you can be studying the American Revolution in your homeschool!
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When studying the American Revolution we first look back to how the colonies began. We briefly discuss the founding of the New World which led to the settlement of the first colony, Jamestown. Fast forward to the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, we review how the Pilgrims struggled to settle in the New World on the quest for freedom. As more and more people traveled to America, they spread across the east coast of what later became known as the 13 colonies. Below is a general timeline that we review and discuss. I do not go into grave detail. We primarily focus on how as the number of colonists grew, Britain’s hand continued to reach across the Atlantic and try to control them with taxes and what became known as the Intolerable Acts. The colonists became discontent and disgruntled. This led the colonists to what we know as the American Revolution.
The kids completed a map that can found on our Pilgrims and the Mayflower post that shows the path across the Atlantic Ocean from Britain to America. This map activity is helpful in reminding students of where Great Britain is in relation to the 13 colonies. It shows how it all began.
After that activity, I talk to the kids about the original 13 colonies. We talked about how the colonies and the states we know today aren’t exactly the same in terms of size. For example, Georgia wasn’t quite as big as it today.
Even though George Washington’s brother was a captain in the British army, George became the commander and chief of the American army during the American Revolution. He was a prominent and important figure in the American Revolution. We read a few smaller books, watched some short YouTube videos, and an animated video titled, “George Washington” by Nest Entertainment.
It was an effective way to humanize George for the kids. We talked about how he loved animals and had lots of siblings. The kids were asked to draw pictures and write ten facts about George Washington on their poster. Years ago, my older kids read a book about George Washington by Heroes of History and then created a fun craft project of George. The options here are plentiful.
This DVD series is a valuable addition to any history classroom. It brings so many pieces of history together and makes it entertaining and interesting. Many pertinent figures make their appearance throughout the film and can easily lead you into discussions about side topics and issues going on during that time period including equal rights, slavery, taxation without representation, and so much more! We have been watching episodes of this series as time permits.
Be sure to check out our list of educational video recommendations here.
One writing tool you may want to add to your American Revolution Unit Study is a few of our American Historical Figures sheets. In this set, you will find that there are several important figures from the American Revolution featured. The writing sheets allow you to practice writing while learning about these prominent figures from the time frame. People like George Washington, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, and more! To download your own set of American Historical Figures Draw & Write sheets, read more here.
My kids enjoyed sitting together after reading and watching videos pertaining to the American Revolution and then discussing what we learned. They created posters about the American Revolution. I instructed them how to label their posters. There was the title at the top and then these sections titled: Who, What, Why, and Where and When.
We worked on the poster over the course of several days. We would spend discuss one section a day. The what was our first focus and then who and why and lastly, when and where. I dictated notes in large font on my computer to help them write their own facts. If you aren’t sure where to look for information on the American Revolution, you may want to check out Mr. Donn’s site.
For those of you who don’t have a poster or lack the space to work on one, try one of our free 4-Squares Graphic Organizers. This one is specifically made for events such as the American Revolution. Write your topic in the middle and then have your student fill in information within each square.
This book brought a humanistic element to our American Revolution Unit Study. The story follows an eleven year old boy whose father died years before. We enjoyed reading about the main character, Nate, as he finds his way through all of the ups and downs that life deals him. There are sad moments and suspense throughout the book. Be aware that some younger children may get scared or frightened by some of the images painted within the book. You are free to skip over those o adlib your own version!
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