A History for US: From Colonies to Country 1735-1791 by Joy Hakim

     As I have been skimming and selecting passages of Hakim's A History of US From Colonies to Country, 1735-1791,  I am in deep awe of the sacrifice our forefathers made on behalf of our freedom, liberty and the benefits it has brought to our lives today.  Surely, these colonists did not think about people in 2012, but when I think about it, because they were committed to independence, I am reaping the blessing to be an American today. On page 86-87, we are told  by a primary source quote from John Adams, and speaking of General George Washington,  " His skills as an officer...great talents and universal character would command the respect of America and unite the colonies better than any other person alive." Hakim says, "Washington was elected but with one condition. He would take no salary."2)  Hakim also states on page 86-87, the conditions of the American army, "raggedy bunch of men-farmer, shoemakers, carpenters, blacksmiths-who had few guns, no cannons, and no military training. George Washington knew that he had an almost impossible job." 3) Page 130-131, Hakim describes the treacherous conditions men faced in the winter of 1777. To read and imagine the agony these men experienced, is heart searching for myself! What commitment, despite their lack of comfort. This information inspires me to create an atmosphere where children can learn to  empathize with people of the past. This is strategic. This will cause our American history to come alive and is going to help students appreciate our American heritage.
      I have been pondering this book with all of its wealth of information. How can I make it applicable to Social Studies for my second graders? In the process of this reflection, we do celebrate President's Day and of course, George Washington is at the forefront. Time lines, history, patriotism and biographies are a part of our essential questions and curriculum. In order to bring the past to the present for our second grade children, we do a fair amount of elementary research and collaboration. The children need to read, retell, write and report on a biography.This turns into a presentation for each child. With the assistance of our technology instructor, each child did a power point presentation. A classroom WAX MUSEUM was set up and every student had to dress in that time period. Some children wanted to do art projects to express more information about a historical character. Patriotic songs have been sung. Using these varied ways, the elementary setting is tapping into the left brain/right brain avenues of learning as sited in The Left Brain Dominant Child and Right Brain Dominant Learners.  While the left brain (logical/sequential) learner has opportunities to learn one way, the right brain (creative) student has avenues to imagine the history by pretending or going back in time.  As the children can begin to recognize and appreciate elementary concepts of loyalty, patriotism, character qualities of leadership, it becomes an inspiration and challenges children to become the best he/she can be. My goal is to make American history come alive and be relevant to my students for a lifetime!