Summer is a wonderful time to spend quality time talking to your kids about the things that matter to you!
Do they know your feelings about America?
Have you introduced them to any of your favorite heroes?
Do your children know they can make friends with the great heroes of America?
George Washington is a wonderful one to start with!
And Glenn Beck's book, Being George Washington, is a valuable resource. Understanding how Washington grew into the challenges he faced can help us, and our children, rise to the difficult challenges of our day. President Washington can become our hero and friend as we study his life and try to follow in his footsteps.
Other wonderful books include:
- The Real George Washington by Parry, Allison, and Skousen
- George Washington's Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback
- Founding Fathers Uncommon Heroes by Steven W. Allen
- 1776 by David McCullough
Here are some great free resources, activities, and ideas to get started...
1) Learn about Washington.
- Look at a timeline of his life.
- Read a short biography for children.
- Invite family members to tell a story or give a report about what made Washington great.
Watch historical videos about President Washington's life. (These last about 12 minutes each.)
George Washington - Part 1: The Early Years
George Washington - Part 2: The Military Commander
George Washington - Part 3: Guiding the New Nation
Watch as Arnold Friberg shows how he painted the masterpiece "The Prayer at Valley Forge and tells what he learned about General Washington.
2) As a young man, George Washington worked as a surveyor and map maker. This experience helped him when he was a general fighting in unfamiliar territory. If you have young children, you might want to teach them some simple map skills.
Or you could talk about the importance of learning geography and sing "Fifty Nifty United States."
3) Washington's work required that he be an excellent horseman. If you have access to horses, it might be fun to go horseback riding.
You could also discuss how the talents and skills we learn as young people can help prepare us for our life's work. The Mapmaker of Mount Vernon explains how important Washington's experiences were to his success.
4) You could tell the story about how General Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River, and take your family on a boat ride.
Or you could watch this video about what it was like to cross the icy Delaware river at night in a snow storm when many soldiers lacked coats, and even shoes.
Discuss the great sacrifices George Washington and his men made. Talk about the sacrifices we can make today.
5) Washington was a competent marksman and a courageous leader. You could have a friendly target shooting activity with whatever toys you might have. Over the years we've used toy guns, BB guns, squirt guns, slingshots, bows and arrows, darts, horseshoes, balls of all shapes and sizes, etc. (Be sure to talk about any safety rules that apply.)
You could tell the story of when George Washington was colonel of the Virginia Militia and fought in the French and Indian War. After one battle was over, it was discovered he had four bullet holes in his jacket. He later gratefully acknowledged: "By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation." You could tell times when you have felt God has protected or prepared you.
6) George Washington was a gentleman farmer. He loved his home life at Mount Vernon and he enjoyed cultivating the land. You could take a virtual tour of Mount Vernon. Or you could plant an indoor herb garden or prepare a small outdoor garden.
7) George Washington faced much adversity in his life. It strengthened his faith, helped him develop wisdom and endurance, and prepared him other ways.
For example, when Washington was 19, he went with his brother Lawrence to the island of Barbados to help Lawrence recover from a serious case of tuberculosis. While there, George became very ill with smallpox. It must have been a trial at the time, and left George with unsightly scars on his face. But later, when he was General of the colonial army, George and his men were exposed to smallpox. Many became very sick and were unable to perform their duties. Due to his prior exposure, George was immune and was able to carry out his heavy responsibilities as usual.
Talking about George Washington's trials could be an opportunity to talk about any difficult experiences your family may have had, and to discuss how trials can be blessings in disguise.
8) Explain to your children that George Washington was not always a great leader. He was once a kid, not too different from other kids. But he prepared himself, did his best when he was faced with new challenges and opportunities, and relied on God to help him. Remind your children that they can prepare themselves, do their best, and rely on God too.
Have fun! I hope the friendship you cultivate with this wonderful patriot and hero lasts a lifetime!
