1.3 OVERVIEW

The student will discuss the lives of people associated with Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, and the events of Independence Day (Fourth of July).

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• Introduce Christopher Columbus to students by showing them a picture or poster of Christopher Columbus. Ask the students to share any information they already know about Christopher Columbus.
• Read a teacher-selected book about Christopher Columbus. Discuss what they see in the illustrations and photographs in the book as well as in the text and content. Use different graphic organizers to vary students’ ways of organizing information learned from the book or instructional resource. Ask students to share with the class the information they remember about Christopher Columbus.
• Use maps and globes to show the journeys Christopher Columbus made to discover America.
• Create an art project of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus and have the students write the following information from the Curriculum Framework on each of the ships.
  -Columbus Day is a day to remember Christopher Columbus who was given the credit for discovering America.
  -Columbus Day is observed in October.
  Use a calendar to locate Columbus Day in the month of October.
  Use the following sites for additional information on Columbus Day:
  -A collection of Web sites and activities about Columbus Day may be found at http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/columbusday.html.
  -Information about Christopher Columbus, as well as crafts and projects, may be found at:
  http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/explorers/page/c/columbus.shtml.
• Introduce Presidents’ Day to the students by showing them pictures or posters of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Review with students the information they have learned about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
• Create a Presidents’ Day art project that includes the following information from the Curriculum Framework:
  -Presidents’ Day is a day to remember all United States Presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
  -Presidents’ Day is observed in February.
• Use a calendar to point out that Presidents’ Day is observed in February.
• Use additional materials such as Web sites and videos to share additional information about Presidents’ Day.
  -An Educational Virtual Museum for Primary Students about President’s Day may be found at http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/presidentsday.
• Introduce Independence Day (Fourth of July) to the students by sharing pictures of Independence Day (Fourth of July) celebrations and pictures of America’s birthday.
• Review with students the class birthday chart and allow students to tell ways in which they celebrate their birthdays. While reviewing each month, tell the July birthday students that they share their month with another special birthday. Independence Day (Fourth of July) is the day that we celebrate the birth of our country. The events surrounding our country’s separation from England ending with the Declaration of Independence all contributed to the celebration of Independence Day (Fourth of July).
• Read a teacher-selected book to the students about Independence Day (Fourth of July). Have the students list ways they celebrate Independence Day (Fourth of July) with their families.
• Arts and crafts, activities and ideas, WebQuests, songs and poems, and other resource sites about Independence Day (Fourth of July)may be found at http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/themes/july4th.shtml.

WEB SITES

http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/presidentsday/
An “Educational Virtual Museum” about Presidents' Day for primary students can be found at this site.

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/themes/july4th.shtml
Arts and crafts, activities and ideas, WebQuests, songs and poems, and other resource sites about Independence Day (Fourth of July)may be found at this site.

http://chumby.dlib.vt.edu/melissa/posters/firstposter.html
Social studies curriculum resources poster sets are available for grade one.

LITERATURE LINKS

Columbus Day

Gardeski, Christina Mia.
Columbus Day. New York: Children’s Book Press, 2000.
This book describes Columbus’ achievements and the holiday that honors him.

Presidents' Day

Sorenson, Lynda.
Presidents Day. (No information available.)
This book describes how Presidents’ Day is celebrated and looks at the achievements of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Frost, Helen.
Presidents Day. Pebble Books, 2000.
Simple text and photographs in this book explain Presidents’ Day and why we celebrate this day to honor those who have been president.

Independence Day (Fourth of July)

Frost, Helen.
Independence Day. Pebble Books, 2000.
Simple text and photographs explain Independence Day and discusses how and why we celebrate this day to honor the founding of the United States.