Wow Washington

I put my student first when I received notice that we were taking a first graders to Mount Vernon for a fieldtrip, on March 8. I first voiced my objection to the trip, but also prepared my students and parents for the field trip to George Washington’s house.

Through research of the area that I completed, my students had the opportunity to take a virtual tour of Mt. Vernon prior to our visit. I was also able to explain why the role that slaves played on Mt. Vernon and during the Revolutionary War. My students came to understand that George Washington took the wrong action when he participated in and protected the institution of slavery in the USA. But just like all people his life is a mixture of positive and negative actions. So, my students designed a poster that is titled Wow Washington to highlight Washington’s political and military successes.

Through research, classroom activities, lectures, and reading material, my students learned about the human named George Washington and visited his house with there eyes wide open to the (white washed) presentation that Mt. Vernon provides for its visitors. Slavery was and is an institution that cannot be tolerated as correct for the times/situation.

After our field trip my class produced a brochure about Mt. Vernon and they displayed pride to be an American because even when our leaders made mistakes the people rose up and marched to correct those mistakes.

By planning before the fieldtrip took place, I put the children before the fieldtrip, and we learn about what it is to be human, brave, and honest about our history.