The New Nation: 1770–1840

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Description:

This unit emphasizes the changes and the growth that took place during the New Nation Period. In particular, the unit helps students understand the need for a new government and touches upon the concepts of slavery, war, and moving west.

The trade books for the Primary section of this unit are A Picture Book of Davy Crockett, By the Dawn’s Early Light: The Story of the Star Spangled Banner, A Birthday for Blue, and Dear Benjamin Banneker. The trade books for the Upper Elementary portion of the unit are A Gathering of Days, Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and America’s First Elephant. The unit does not include the actual children's literature books.

Activities:

Classroom activities include making johnnycakes, constructing a model of a Conestoga wagon, developing a secret code for sending messages, and creating paper dolls dressed in clothing of the period. Students also interpret maps, create posters, and keep journals. Although activities are organized into primary and upper elementary sections, many assignments can be adapted to suit either age group.