Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans by Edward Eggleston Stories of Great Americans by Edward Eggleston    

Chapter 15: George Washington and His Hatchet

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the story multiple times.
• Review the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Learn the concepts.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

This poem overviews significant events in the life of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The poem overviews a story about Washington as a boy. Washington used a hatchet to 'hack' his father's cherry tree. When his father confronted him, Washington said, 'I cannot tell a lie. I cut the tree.' The poem then tells of an adult Washington fighting to 'hack and whack' against the British until the United States of America gained independence.

Vocabulary

Hatchet: A small ax with a short handle for use in one hand.
Hack Cut with rough or heavy blows.
Lie: An intentionally false statement.
True: Accurate, in accordance with fact.

Concepts

In the story, George Washington, first President of the United States, tells the truth when his father confronts him about hacking at a cherry tree with a hatchet. George Washington admits he did it and says, 'I cannot tell a lie..'

Have you ever heard the story of the 'Boy Who Cried Wolf?'

1. A little boy watching sheep becomes bored and yells to the townspeople a wolf is attacking the sheep.
2. The little boy told a lie. He did not tell the truth. There was no wolf attacking the sheep.
3. The people came running. They are very angry when they realize they were tricked by the boy.
4. The boy pulls the same trick again and lies about a wolf. Now the people no longer trust to boy to tell the truth.
5. When a wolf attacks, the boy tells the townspeople, but they do not believe the boy and the wolf kills the sheep.

It is very important to tell the truth, or people will not trust you, respect you, or believe you when you really need them to.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Story

• After reading or listening to the story, narrate the story events aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Explore the Story

Read the statements below and say whether they are the truth or a lie.

• The President of the United States has a pet unicorn and a pet dragon (L).
• George Washington was the first President of the United States (T).
• George Washington fought the British and helped liberate the United States (T).
• George Washington was an alien from outer space (L).

Activity 3: Color the Story   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 20 of 'History Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Activity 4: Study the Story Picture

Study the below painting of George Washington and his father. Zoom in to see the details, and find the following:

• George
• George's father
• Cherry tree
• Where the cherry tree is cut
• Hatchet

What other things do you see in the picture?

Review

Question 1

What does little George Washington do with his hatchet?

1 / 3

Answer 1

He hacks and whacks a cherry tree.

1 / 3

Question 2

Does George Washington tell the truth or does he lie when his father confronts him about the damaged cherry tree?

2 / 3

Answer 2

He tells the truth.

2 / 3

Question 3

When George Washington grows up, how does he continue to hack and whack?

3 / 3

Answer 3

He hacks and whacks, drives the British army away, and liberates the United States of America.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What does little George Washington do with his hatchet? He hacks and whacks a cherry tree.
2. Does George Washington tell the truth or does he lie when his father confronts him about the damaged cherry tree? He tells the truth.
3. When George Washington grows up, how does he continue to hack and whack? He hacks and whacks, drives the British army away, and liberates the United States of America.