Primary Source Activities

George Washington and General Howe's Dog

Author: Heidrun Awad

Grade(s): 02

Description

Lesson Summary:
Students will recognize personal characteristics of George Washington and build an understanding of the Revolutionary War.

Instructional Steps of Lesson:

1. Students discuss who George Washington was and what they know about him.
2. Students read the note about the lost dog and discuss what it tells about George Washington, recognizing how actions and character are influencing and making a difference in the life of others.
3. Reading of the Story, "George Washington and the General’s Dog."
4. As an extension and better understanding of the reason for the Revolutionary War reading of, "In 1776"

Post- assessment and Scoring:
Students will create a postcard, draw and color picture and write a thank you note General Howe might have written to Washington. The work will be graded for neatness, correct writing of a postcard and content.

Teacher materials:

• Copies of the note and transcript for each student
• Postcard size papers
• Books:
  • "George Washington and the General’s Dog," by Frank Murphy, illustrated by Richard Waltz. Step into Reading, A Step 2 Book, Random House, New York.
  • "In 1776," by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by Steve Bjoerkman, Scholastic Inc., New York.

Student materials:
Pencils and crayons

Standards

• History 3-5, Benchmark D: Recognize that the actions of individuals make a difference, and relate the stories of people from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to the heritage of the United States.
• Indicator: Grade 2, GLI 7. Recognize the importance of individual action and character and explain how they have made a difference in others' lives with emphasis on the importance of: a. Social and political leaders in the United States (e.g., George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Tecumseh, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr.); b. Explorers, inventors and scientists (e.g., George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Charles Drew, Rachel Carson and Neil Armstrong).

• General Washington's Note to General Howe
• General Washington's Note to General Howe Transcribed