Lesson Plans: Elementary School

The following lessons were developed and tested by Mount Vernon's Education Department and contributing teachers in the field, including graduates of our summer George Washington Teachers' Institutes. Recently revised and expanded, these guides are aligned to national curriculum standards, and benefit from research, historical thinking, and primary sources. These lesson plans may be adapted for use across elementary grades.

Centerpiece of a Nation

Students will use primary images as a model for creating their own "display" of states and choosing a "centerpiece" that defines our nation today. This lesson can accompany the distance learning broadcast, Primarily George.

• Centerpiece of a Nation Lesson Plan

A Day at Mount Vernon

Students will listen to a story about daily life at Mount Vernon, and recognize the connections between George Washington and his slaves.

• A Day at Mount Vernon Lesson Plan

George Washington BINGO

Students will learn historical facts about the life of George Washington using the entertaining game format, BINGO.

• George Washington BINGO Lesson Plan

George Washington's Trunk

Students will learn about the many roles that Washington engaged in throughout his life and create their own “George Washington’s trunk” of objects that reflect these activities.

• George Washington's Trunk Lesson Plan

Origin of the Purple Heart

Students will learn that during the American Revolution, Washington established the Purple Heart military decoration, known at the time as the Badge of Military Merit, and explore the historical and modern significance of this award.

• Origin of the Purple Heart Lesson Plan

Going by the Rules

Students will be introduced to George Washington’s Rules of Civility and consider their value in making decisions that lead to success.

• Going By the Rules Lesson Plan

Trip to Mount Vernon

Students will compare and contrast travel in the 18th century with travel in current times by planning and simulating a trip to Mount Vernon from a chosen location in the colonies.

• Trip to Mount Vernon Lesson Plan

Washington's Newburgh Address

Students will learn about the Newburgh Crisis and Washington’s Newburgh Address through primary and secondary sources, then write a persuasive essay that compares Washington’s character to a leader of their choosing who has overcome a difficult obstacle.

• Newburgh Address Lesson Plan

What's Hidden in the Midden?

Students use the archaeological site George Washington's Midden (a fancy word for trash) to study objects, archaeology, math and science.  The artifacts excavated from the midden provide an insight into daily life, diet and furnishings during George and Martha Washington's life.

• What's Hidden in the Midden? Lesson Plan