ATLAS Academy: American Revolution

We introduced our project by guessing the 'famous person for the day' from his own words.

"Nothing short of independence, it appears to me, can possibly do. A peace on other terms would..... be a peace of war."

"Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind, in the service of my country."

“Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty."

That's right! It was George Washington. We listened and felt the account of General George Washington urging his patriot soldiers to not declare mutiny on congress after the war, even though they had not been paid, they had suffered much during the war, and their families needed the money. He indeed led by example and most likely saved the future of our nation. - Unlikely Heroes by Ron Carter

We were also astonished to learn that George Washington had been divinely protected even in battle during the French and Indian War. Washington had two horses shot out from beneath him and received several bullet holes through his jacket, and yet remained unscathed. We listened as an Indian Chief prophesied that ...

"he would become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. [He is] the particular favorite of Heaven and ...can never die in battle." - The Bulletproof George Washington by David Barton

Next, we learned about the Trades present during colonial times and how children were apprenticed to professional tradesman to learn the skills necessary to set up their own shop. The students became the teachers! We had just five minutes to become the expert on our trade and teach the rest of the class about what we do, the tools of our trade, and any other interesting facts. Highlighters in hand and one page of interesting information to gleen from, we set to our task. Once all were ready, we attended our impromptu TRADES EXPO and learned about the trades of the time.

Apothecary,Wigmaker, Printer, Milliner, Silversmith, Basketmaker, Cabinet Maker, Shoemaker, Blacksmith, Brickmaker

I personally very impressed with how quickly each of our amazing ATLAS kids acquired the information and were able to share what they learned, and present in a way that we all learned some unique facts about colonial times.

It was the perfect time to test that knowledge in a game of FLY SWATTER! Teams competed with 40 questions on Colonial Trades and a few facts about General Washington. Stiff competition...the score was almost even.

We also played a rousing game of Woockchuck! Likely played in colonial times, the key is to be the first to knock over each of the opposing teams soliders and finally the king with blocks of wood (thus the name wood-chuck). Also a very close match. Way to go LOL's!

Can you believe that a tattered and ill-clothed army crossed the icy river in the dead of winter (on Christmas Eve no less...not what I want to do on my holiday), traveled 9 miles, and in that exhausted state engaged a suprise attack on the Hessian army?! Is there any doubt that Heavenly Father played a role in the founding our our nation? We concluded with snack time and reading the account of the patriot soldiers battle of Trenton by reading When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney.

Many thanks to our mentor helpers and all of the kids who brought great attitudes and enthusiasm to class. We had a lot of fun, and I can't wait for next week!