George Washington's Breakfast

What did George Washington eat for breakfast? That's what a little boy named George (who also shares the same birthday as George Washington) wants to know in George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz.

Well, I'm not going to give too much away in this wonderful living book teaching kids more about George Washington than they think they are learning, but we made it...

And no, they are not pancakes!

The Battle of Bunker Hill

One of the best things I love about Ambleside Online is the tapestry of rich stories that get weaved from different perspectives. From the biography of Abigail Adams, to a rich Historical book like This Country of Ours, then to George Washington's World we get a 3D (if you will) perspective of times in history. I asked Laura what she loved most about her history readings today.
She said what stood out to her the most was the story of Bunker Hill (which did not actually occur on Bunker Hill- it took place on Breeds Hill). George Washington had just been dispatched as the Continental Army's general to which he responded with dread. He simply did not feel he had the strength or the wisdom for such a task.
When certain events lead to the colonist resisting the British, a turning point occurred within the hearts of the brave men of America- they fought; and they fought hard. The Battle of Bunker Hill was a losing battle- the colonist lost, but boy, did they put up a good fight- all heart and strength.
The British lost more men than the colonist and also gained a new found respect for the proud men who fought for their country.
Washington was elated. He now knew these poorly clad and badly weapon men with hardly a weapon could fight-
That was what Laura gleaned from this story. She said it is great to know that we all have more in us than we expect just like the colonist.

George Washington'e World- Thomas Jefferson

We thought it fascinating today as we read from George Washington's World how much Thomas Jefferson loved his "hill". He loved it so much that he wanted to be buried there. As we went on a search to find out about his loved home, Monticello captured our interest. Watch these videos and see if doesn't capture yours as well. (Visit the Monticello sight HERE to explore a 3D view of the house- looks more like a mansion to me)

Here is a fascinating video about the man who build his own home, which by the way took 40 years.



This short clip is fascinating as well- it is just the trailer to the movie they show if you visit Monticello- no fair to us who can't just up and go take a day trip to the house.