HISTORICAL FIGURES IN FIRST GRADE

By: Danielle Collins, Kimberly Wood, and Kelly Wolk

Overview

SS1H1 The student will read about and describe the life of historical figures in American history.

a. Identify the contributions made by these figures: Benjamin Franklin (inventor/author/statesman),Thomas Jefferson (Declaration of Independence), Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with Sacagawea (exploration), Harriet Tubman (Underground Railroad), Theodore Roosevelt (National Parks and the environment), George Washington Carver (science).

b. Describe how everyday life of these historical figures is similar to and different from everyday life in the present (food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation)

IntroductionWe need your help! The historical figures play is about to start, and the actors are missing! The play must go on, but we need actors. If you think you are ready to become

an actor click on each historical figure to learn

more about them.

Click here to learn even more about Ben Franklin.

Click here to learn even more about Lewis and Clark

TASK

Working in groups of five, students are to research a historical figure and write a skit to perform for the Head Director (teacher)

and audience (class).

What to do?

First thing you need to do is review the four historical figures, and decide who you will

be researching to create a skit for the director and audience.

To review the four historical figures please click on the review button.

REVIEW

Next Step

Working with your group, you will begin to plan your skit by completing the character document. You will create a title for your skit, assign character roles (including a

director), and draw a creative picture for each character from the skit.

Click on the pencil to start your character

document

Next Step

Working with your group, write a reader’s theater skit detailing the historical figure

you choose. Be sure to work together as a group and include as much information to

present to the audience.

Next StepWorking with your group, you will practice

your skit until you are comfortable with performance. When you are ready, your director of your group will record your

performance using a Flip Camera. When your group in finished, turn your Flip Camera into the Head Director (your teacher). The Head Director will upload you video to YouTube.

Final Step

Working with your group, you will view everyone’s historical figures skits and post a comment or question you have. Be sure your sentences begin with a capital letter

and have the correct punctuation. To access the videos click on the T.V. screen.

Evaluation0-3 points 4-7 points 8-10 points

Addresses the Standard

Students do not perform a skit on a historical figure listed in the standard.

Students perform skit on historical figure, but do not provide enough information about the person.

Students perform a skit on historical figures and provide enough information and facts about their life and accomplishments.

Preparation Students do not work as a group to prepare a script for the skit.

Students work in a group to create a skit.

Students work to write, draw, and create pictures and script for an informational skit.

PerformanceStudents are unaware of their character role and lines in the skit.

Students use technology and perform a skit.

Students use technology and are able to perform an informational, entertaining skit.

Group Collaboration

Members of the group do not work cooperatively on the skit.

Some, but not all, group members work to create the skit.

All group members work together cooperatively to create skit.

Conclusion If your looking to find out more information

about your historical figure, you can complete 3 tic-tac-toe board activities. Be

sure your cross off each activity you complete.

If you were Ben Franklin, what would you invent? Draw a

picture of your invention and use three of more sentences to

describe it.

 

 

Click here to create a Benjamin Franklin fact kite.

 

Imagine you are a conductor of the Underground Railroad. Click here to write a diary entry of your day.

  

Click here to write and draw two things that Harriet Tubman did.

 

    

FREE CHOICE  

 

Draw a map like Lewis and Clark did on their expedition. Click here to draw a map of an area you know

.

  

Click here to follow Lewis and Clark on their expedition.

   .

Print and complete this activity sheet on Sacajawea

 

Click here to join Harriet Tubman on her journey on the Underground Railroad

Historical Figures Tic-Tac-Toe Board

Credits

A special thanks to the following sites for the information and resources. Clink the links below to

go directly to the site!

Brain Pop, Jr.ScholasticPebble Go

National Geographic Kids