This exciting new series is designed not only to bring history to life for your students, these activities actually bring history into your classroom! Washington Crossing the Delaware - it's one of the most famous paintings of the Revolutionary War. But is it accurate? Do your students understand what was happening in the picture? Do they have any inkling of the pain and effort and courage involved in that event? Through a variety of creative activities in this book, students will discover the truths behind the picture - not only what happened that night, but what led up to it and what happened as a result of it. Poetry, discussion, role play, games and other activities will bring the Revolutionary War into your classroom! Students will learn that war causes pain and hardship for everyone, even those at home. They'll put themselves in the place of the soldier - hungry, cold, lonely, underpaid and afraid.

As the fascinating story of George Washington unfolds (from young boy to General to President), children will also learn about the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, building the Washington Monument and other tributes to the first President. Activities designed for writing, researching and exploring provide additional information and hands-on experiences.

“The Revolutionary War” provides a detailed overview of the American battle for independence and the forging of a nation. From the earliest skirmishes at Lexington and Concord to the decisive victory at Yorktown, to the writing of the Constitution and the struggles of early national America, this book tracks both the logistical and intellectual dimensions of the "revolution," which, as John Adams said, took place "in the hearts and minds of Americans . . . before a single drop of blood was shed." As much as it vividly documents the particulars of battle, it is the dizzying aftermath of the war and the complexities of fulfilling the "idea" of America that form the impressive substance of this book. Also discussed are the social, cultural, and artistic advances of the post-Revolutionary period, including women's suffrage and the beginning of public education, with special emphasis given to the "American Renaissance" and the rising of distinctly American literature.

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces. Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history. Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.

Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, is a popular tourist site with an interesting history. Students learn some of the history of Virginia, beginning with Jamestown, including the relationship between Captain John Smith and Pocahontas. They'll discover how Washington contributed to the freedom of America and became our first President, but was always happy to go home. Review questions are included as well as suggestions for further study using the internet and multiple intelligence activities. A complete answer key is provided.

Which would you rather do--read about the Boston Tea Party OR dress up like an Indian, sneak onto a boat in the middle of the night and dump a whole bunch of tea into Boston Harbor?