George and Martha Washington
Dates covered: 1732-1799; 1731-1892
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Arts and Crafts:
- George Washington for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities George Washington comes alive in this fascinating activity book that introduces the leader to whom citizens turned again and again—to lead them through eight long years of war, to guide them as they wrote a new Constitution, and to act as the new nation’s first executive leader. Children will learn how, shortly after his death in 1799, people began transforming George Washington from a man into a myth. But Washington was a complex individual who, like everyone, had hopes and fears, successes and failures. In his early 20s, for instance, Washington’s actions helped plunge Great Britain and France into war. He later fought for liberty and independence, yet owned slaves himself (eventually freeing them in his will). This book weaves a rich tapestry of Washington’s life, allowing kids to connect with his story in 21 hands-on projects based on his experiences and the times in which he lived. Children will learn how to tie a cravat, write with a quill pen, follow animal tracks, sew a lady’s cap, plant a garden, roll a beeswax candle, play a game of Quoits, and make a replica of Washington’s commander-in-chief flag. The text includes a timeline, glossary, websites, travel resources, and a reading list for further study.
- President’s Day George Washington Paper Bag Kid’s Craft
- 6 Presidents Day Activities & Crafts
Books (All Ages):
A Birthday for General Washington: A Play Dramatizes the events at George Washington’s Valley Forge headquarters on his birthday in 1778. A play written for a small classroom to perform. Younger to Middle students. Virginia.
About the History of the Calendar Have you ever wondered how our calendar works or why George Washington has two different birthdays? This book traces the history of the calendar from ancient times to the sixteenth century when the Gregorian calendar used today came into being. Younger to Middle students.
Action Presidents: George Washington U.S. history comes to life like never before in this full-color graphic novel! We all know that George Washington was our first President and a hero of the American Revolution. But did you also know that he didn’t want to be president, never thought he would fight in a war, and had teeth so bad that he hated to smile? Level 4.9. Younger to Middle students.
A Parade for George Washington A picture book about George’s first inauguration
Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington Picture Book. Before he was the face on the dollar bill, George Washington was a shy boy with a hot temper. But George had character and adaptability. He taught himself courage and self-control. At an early age, and without really realizing it, George Washington gathered the qualities he’d need to become one of the greatest leaders America has ever known. Level 5.5. Younger to Middle students.
Blast to the Past: Washington’s War Warning: Contains time-travel Grade Level Reader: 4th, Historical fiction, long, Lexile 650
Buried Lives: The Enslaved People of George Washington’s Mount Vernon When he was eleven years old, George Washington inherited ten human beings. His own life has been well chronicled, but the lives of the people he owned–the people who supported his plantation and were buried in unmarked graves there–have not. Using fascinating primary source material and photographs of historical artifacts, Carla McClafferty sheds light on the lives of several people George Washington owned; the property laws of the day that complicated his decision to free them; and the Cemetery Survey, an archeological dig that is shaping our understanding of Mount Vernon’s Slave Cemetery. Poignant and thought-provoking, Buried Lives blends the past with the present in a forward-looking account of a haunting piece of American history. Level 8. Virginia. Older students.
Dear Mr. Washington Based on the true story behind Gilbert Stuart’s famous portraits of Washington, this funny historical read will leave rascals, ruffians, and troublemakers of all ages laughing. Charlotte, James, and baby John have promised to be on their very best behavior for when George Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, Gilbert Stuart. But, it seems like every time George Washington comes to visit, Charlotte has to write another apology letter, even when they try to follow George Washington’s Rules of Good Behavior. If these whippersnappers want any dessert, they are going to have to learn some manners—and fast! What results is a hilarious chain of events, a giant mess…and a painting that will be remembered for centuries to come. Level 3.9. Younger students.
Farmer George Plants a Nation Longer picture book about the side of George Washington we never see, his life as a farmer, and how it impacted his life as president, level 6.2
General George, the Great: A Really Truly Story mini-biography. Younger students.
George and Martha Washington at Home in New York Describes the life shared by George and Martha Washington, with an emphasis on the government activities, historical events, and social and sociological aspects of their residence in New York City during the seventeen months when it was the nation’s first capitol. Describes the life shared by George and Martha Washington, with an emphasis on the government activities, historical events, and social and sociological aspects of their residence in New York City during the sixteen months when it was the nation’s first capitol. New York. Older students.
George Did It picture book about George Washington taking office, level 4.7
George Washington Text and reproductions of famous paintings chronicle the life of the man known as the “Father of our Country.” Older students.
George Washington Graphic Novel. George Washington is known for being the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He is also known for being America’s first president. These accomplishments are largely significant but made even greater by Washington’s execution of these duties. His cool head, dignity, and ability to make choices for the country’s “greater good” helped set the United States on a path to becoming one of the world’s greatest nations. This graphic retelling of George Washington’s life and his role as a Founding Father will thrill readers as they get a sneak peek into the life of one of America’s greatest leaders. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War Follow the action as 1775 dawns, and Washington finds himself in serious trouble. At war with Britain, the world’s most powerful empire, his ragtag army possesses only a few muskets, some cannons, and no money. The Americans’ only hope is to wage an invisible war—a war of spies, intelligence networks, and deception. Enter the shadowy world of double agents, covert operations, codes, and ciphers—a world so secret that America’s spymaster himself doesn’t know the identities of some of his agents. Meet members of the elusive Culper Ring, uncover a “mole” in the Sons of Liberty, and see how invisible ink and even a clothesline are used to send secret messages. You can even use Washington’s own secret codebook, published here for the first time. Older students. Level 7.9.
George Washington, Young Leader Childhood of Famous Americans–note: book by the same author Augusta Stevenson called George Washington, Boy Leader, is the same book with the same chapter titles, same page numbers, same illustrations, etc., level 3.7
George Washington: 1st President of the United States Follows the life of George Washington, including his childhood, education employment, political career, and term of presidency. Older students.
George Washington: 1st U.S. President Begin the journey into the lives of important people in history with Beginner Biographies. These simple, illustrated biographies provide a perfect entry point for learning about history. The childhood, education, and career of President George Washington are presented with short, simple text for the elementary school audience. Level 3.4. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington: A Photo-Illustrated Biography Presents the life story of the first president of the United States. Level 4.1. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington: A Talk With His Grandchildren nonfiction old-fashioned book where George Washington tells his grandchildren stories from his life. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington: Influential Presidents nonfiction biography, easy to read. Level 3.8. Virginia. Younger to Middle Students.
George Washington: Leading a New Nation Graphic Novel, reader. 3rd-grade level does have some death and violence, including a foxhunt, level 3.9
George Washington: My Itty-Bitty Bio The books in the My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of George Washington in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Level 1.5. Younger students.
George Washington: Soldier and Statesman! Graphic Novel. Known as the “Father of Our Country,” George Washington lost his own father at the age of 11, was a surrogate father to Alexander Hamilton, and yet was never a father himself. In war and in peace, he left an unmistakable impression on his new nation in more ways than you know. George Washington: Soldier and Statesman! tells the story of the United States’ first president—from his rise as a soldier fighting for American freedom from Great Britain to his legacy as an impartial statesman who put his country before himself. Readers of all ages will be entertained and educated by the full-color illustrations and historically accurate narrative of this graphical biography.
George Washington: The 1st President Why is George Washington known as the father of our country? What was the country like when he served as its very first president? Young readers will find out as they read about his dramatic life and important role in history. Level 3.8. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington: The First President Early Reader, level 2.9
George Washington: The Life of an American Patriot Graphic Novel, warning, contains some violent war scenes, level 5.3
George Washington: True Patriot By Janet and Geoff Benge, the author of many of the missionary stories Sonlight uses. This one does not mention much about the Christian lifestyle but is a historical nonfiction biography of the life of this president. Does touch on harsher topics.
George Washington: Zoom in on Legendary Leaders Before he was the first US president, George Washington led the colonial army to victory in the Revolutionary War. Zoom in on his role in the United States’ independence through historic photos and easy-to-read text. Level 2.3. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington’s Breakfast George Washington Allen, a boy who never gives up until he finds out what he wants to know, is determined to learn all there is to know about his namesake, including what the first president ate for breakfast! Younger to Middle students. Virginia.
George Washington and the American Revolution If the patriots hadn’t won the war, Washington would have been one of the greatest traitors in history. Instead, he led the rebels to victory, and a great democracy was born. Level 3.8. Graphic Novel. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington and the Story of the U.S. Constitution The story of the drafting of the United States Constitution, and George Washington’s role in creating it, includes a script for readers’ theater. Picture Book style. Level 4.8. Middle students. Pennsylvania.
George Washington Elected: How America’s First President was Chosen Briefly describes George Washington’s role in the American Revolution and his tenure as the first United States president. Level 4.9. Younger to Middle students. Virginia.
George Washington Graphic novels aren t just for superheroes! George Washington has been plucked from history books and his life and accomplishments have been depicted in informative nonfiction graphic novels. Level 4.2. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington The youngest readers are introduced to George Washington-the Father of Our Country. They will learn about how Washington went from farmer to soldier to America’s first President. Younger students. Level 2.6.
George Washington: Our First President A thorough, illustrated biography discussing the president’s childhood, his career, his family, and his term as President of the United States. Includes a time line and glossary. Younger to Middle students.
George Washington’s and the General’s Dog A short chapter book level 3 reader showing the life of George through some of his pets, level 2.5
George Washington’s First Victory, An easy-to-read story describes an incident in the early life of George Washington, which provides a glimpse at his relationship with his mother and at the determined man he would become. Early Reader. Younger students.
George Washington’s Mother, by Jean Fritz, longer chapter book. Everyone has a mother. Even George Washington. But Mary Washington is nothing like you’d think! She hates to dress up. And she always thinks she knows what’s best for George. After all, she’s his mother! You can read more about her in this true story by Jean Fritz. Level 2.5. Virginia.
George Washington’s Rules to Live By: A Good Manners Guide from the Father of Our Country This innovative gift book allows kids to peek into the mind of George Washington and the more than 100 lessons by which he lived his life. Modern translations and hilarious caricature illustrations provide a lighthearted and fun way to learn about history and good manners at the same time. Featuring the Rules of Civility that George Washington learned when he was a child, this book focuses on 50 of George’s maxims, ranging from table manners to polite conversation to being a good citizen. Because the Rules of Civility are centuries old, this book also includes “translations” of the rules into contemporary and witty kid-friendly explanations that any young reader can relate to. Paired with laugh-out-loud illustrations, this book is a sure-fire guide to amazing etiquette. Lexile 990. Middle to Older students.
George Washington’s Spy: A Time Travel Adventure Ten-year-old Matt Carlton and six friends are accidentally swept back in time–to Boston in 1776! The British now occupy the city, and redcoat guards are everywhere! While the boys are being held captive by a den of Patriot spies, the girls have been taken in by a wealthy Tory family. The pox is rampant; danger lies around every corner–and there’s no hope for returning home to their own time. How will these seven children survive? Middle students. Level 4.7. Massachusetts.
George Washington’s Teeth Picture book, a look at all the events happening in the life of George Washinton each time he loses a tooth until he finally needs a full set of false teeth, level 3.6
George Washington’s World a Genevieve Foster book, an in-depth look at life around the world during George Washington’s lifetime, includes many famous historic events.
Heroes for Young Readers: George Washington Picture Book. The new Heroes of History for Young Readers series presents the captivating true stories of great historical figures who changed the course of history. Now preschoolers through third graders can learn about history from vivid illustrations and fun, informative, rhyming text. Younger to Middle students.
Heroes of History: George Washington Forget everything you think you know about George Washington. The father of our country remains a mystery to too many of us. Now TIME tells the full, fascinating story of the Virginia planter who fought for Britain in the French and Indian War, led a rag-tag colonial army to victory over the British Empire, and was elected the first President of the United States. Young adult readers ready to look beyond the “Who Was” series deserve a collection of biographies all their own with the details, nuance, and depth they crave. With dozens of reproductions of artworks, artifacts from the period, photographs, and illustrations created to bring the subject alive, this first book in the new series, Heroes of History, captures “the essential American” and brings his life and chaotic, revolutionary times into fresh focus. Lexile 1100. Middle to Older students.
I am George Washington semi-comic style book, but very informative, easy to read, level 3.6
If You Grew Up with George Washington Part of the If You LIved…series, a nonfiction look at life in Virginia. Level 4.8
Learning About Leadership from the Life of George Washington Provides examples of leadership from the life of George Washington. Level 4.2. Younger students.
Martha Washington: America’s First First Lady Childhood of Famous Americans series. Discover what Martha did for fun as a child—and how her confidence and ability to host large social events prepared her to help her husband lead a new nation. Lexile 600. Virginia. Middle students.
Martha Washington Martha Dandridge Custis was twenty-seven years old when she married George Washington. She worked by her husband’s side to help keep their family, home, and country running smoothly. Whether she was at a ball or on a battlefield, Martha Washington set the standard for all future First Ladies with her quiet determination and courage. Younger students.
Martha Washington Martha Dandridge Washington became the First Lady on April 30, 1789. But before she became first lady, she was a wealthy plantation owner with two children to raise. Learn about her childhood, family life, and goals as first lady of the United States. Younger students. Level 2.1. Virginia.
Master George’s People: George Washington, His Slaves, and His Revolutionary Transformation As the first President of the United States of America and the Commander in Chief who led a rebel army to victory in the Revolutionary War, George Washington was a legendary leader of men. He had high expectations of his soldiers, employees, and associates. At his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon, his expectations of his workers were no different: “I expect such labor as they ought to render,” he wrote. Except there was a big difference. The workers who kept Mount Vernon operating were enslaved. And although Washington called them “my people,” by law they were his property. The Founders birthed a document celebrating “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” as unalienable rights at the same time people were being bought and sold. But the people of Mount Vernon were so much more, and they each had compelling stories to tell. In the pages of Master George’s People, Marfé Ferguson Delano gives us fascinating portraits of cooks, overseers, valets, farm hands, and more—essential people nearly lost in the shadows of the past—interwoven with an extraordinary examination of the conscience of the Father of Our Country. Level 7.7. Older students. Virginia.
Meet George Washington George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgment, and respected by his friends as a good leader. As he grew older, George saw how England took advantage of the American colonies—and he didn’t like it. When the colonies declared their independence, George was chosen to lead their army as its general. And when the colonies won their freedom, George was elected to lead the new nation as its first president. Middle students.
Meet George Washington An easy-to-read introduction to George Washington for young history buffs. This biography allows young readers to see George Washington not only as the first president of the United States, but also as a youngster with hopes and dreams. They’ll discover that young George dreamed of becoming a military officer like his half-brother Lawrence; that he rode a ferry to his little schoolhouse; and that he was always polite. All schoolchildren learn about Washington’s important role in American history, but here they’ll discover the human side of the first president as child, young adult, war hero, and statesman. Younger students.
Mount Vernon Describes the history, original uses, and preservation of Mount Vernon, the plantation home of George Washington. Level 4.6. Younger to Middle students.
My Little Golden Book about George Washington Bright, appealing artwork and simple words introduce the youngest readers to our first president with engaging anecdotes, beginning with how young George liked to study and ride his horse. Fun facts at the end—such as that Washington’s image can be found on our dollar bill, our postage stamps, and on Mount Rushmore—round out this charming Little Golden Book. Younger students.
National Geographic Readers: George Washington visual short biography with vivid art, level 3.9
Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette Longer Picture Book, sprinkled with French phrases, discussing Lafayette’s life. This will appeal more towards older students than the younger set, level 4.9
The Crossing: George Washington Jack Levin presents a beautifully designed account of George Washington’s historic crossing of the Delaware River and the decisive Battle of Trenton, full of beautiful images and including Washington’s own words. Level 7.4. Middle to Older students.
The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution A longer picture book about George Washington and the Revolutionary War. If I had to select only one book about the Revolution, this might be it. Level 7.8
The House that George Built THE HOUSE THAT GEORGE BUILT takes readers through the process of how the president’s house came to be—starting with the contest George held to choose the perfect design for this legendary landmark, all the way to President John Adams’s move into the grandiose home. Cleverly written in the familiar format of “The House That Jack Built,” author Suzanne Slade supplements her rhyming verse with lively conversational prose, describing how George was involved in this project from beginning to end, from selecting the location to figuring out how to get the thousands of heavy bricks to the construction site. Rebecca Bond’s watercolor illustrations help readers follow the steps to what became the White House as we know it today. Younger to Middle students.
The Joke’s On George Tells how George Washington was fooled by a lifelike painting of the sons of American portrait painter Charles Willson Peale. Lexile 950. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. Virginia.
The Many Faces of George Washington George Washington’s face has been painted, printed, and engraved more than a billion times since his birth in 1732. And yet even in his lifetime, no picture seemed to capture the likeness of the man who is now the most iconic of all our presidents. Worse still, people today often see this founding father as the “old and grumpy” Washington on the dollar bill. In 2005 a team of historians, scientists, and artisans at Mount Vernon set out to change the image of our first president. They studied paintings and sculptures, pored over Washington’s letters to his tailors and noted other people’s comments about his appearance, even closely examined the many sets of dentures that had been created for Washington. Researchers tapped into skills as diverse as 18th-century leatherworking and cutting-edge computer programming to assemble truer likenesses. Their painstaking research and exacting processes helped create three full-body representations of Washington as he was at key moments in his life. And all along the way, the team gained new insight into a man who was anything but “old and grumpy.” Join award-winning author Carla Killough McClafferty as she unveils the statues of the three Georges and rediscovers the man who became the face of a new nation. Level 8.2. Older students. Virginia.
The Story of Mount Vernon Dramatic and defining moments in American history come vividly to life in the Cornerstones of Freedom series. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students.
Washington at Valley Forge In this comprehensive volume, Newbery Award-winning author Russell Freedman applies his renowned storytelling skills to examine a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War– one in which the nation’s future leader would be greatly tested. Camped twenty miles outside of Philadelphia at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-78, Washington’s ragtag army was at its most vulnerable; but when the harsh winter ended, the soldiers had survived, and marched away from Valley Forge more determined than ever. The British were defeated in 1783, and Washington, for the rest of his life, said that the credit for the American victory belonged to the soldiers who had braved the horrific conditions at Valley Forge. A perfect complement to any lesson on the Revolutionary War, Washington at Valley Forge makes this historical moment feel immediate and all too real. A must-have for history buffs, students, and anyone interested in America’s past. Impeccably sourced with gorgeous reproductions of engravings, paintings, and more. Level 8.8. Older students. Pennsylvania.
When Washington Crossed the Delaware longer picture book, level 5.8
Who Was George Washington nonfiction biography, part of the Who Was series, level 5.0
Coloring Pages/Drawing:
- Variety of options at different levels (scroll down)
Lapbooks/Notebooking Pages/Unit Studies/Activity Pages/Paper Dolls/Games:
Movies (20 Minutes or Longer): (See Also: Videos)
- Movie: General George Washington Animated Hero Classics
- George Washington, “We Fight to be Free” (Full Movie) (Includes battle scenes)
- Liberty’s Kids
Museums/Field Trips (including virtual):
- Washington’s Crossing Historic Park, Pennsylvania
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Virginia
Recipes:
Songs:
- The George Washington Song
- The Father of our Country George Washington with Lyrics
- Songs about George Washington
Toys/Games
- Funko Pop! Icons: History – George Washington
- George Washington Colonial Boys Costume Set with Wig and Hat
- Philosophers Guild George Washington Doll
- George Washington Crossing Delaware River-Wooden Puzzles
- US President Challenge Coin George Washington 1732-1932 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin
- Museum Painting – Jigsaw Puzzle – George Washington 1797
- Presidents of The United States Series 1: Plastic Figure 6pc Set
Worksheets:
