📖

Winter at Valley Forge: Perseverance

The Revolutionary War

Day 69of 180
Week 14of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the hardships faced by soldiers at Valley Forge

2

Learn about perseverance during difficult times

3

Recognize God's help during challenging circumstances

📖 Scripture Connection

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.”

— James 1:12 (WEB)

Just as soldiers persevered through winter, Christians can endure trials with God's help

📦 Materials Needed

  • White construction paper
  • Cotton balls
  • Glue sticks
  • Pencils
  • Pictures of Valley Forge
  • Warm blanket or coat
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Wrap a child in a warm blanket and ask, 'How would you feel if you had to sleep outside in the cold with very little food?'

💭 Review Question: What do you know about soldiers during the Revolutionary War?
2Teaching (10 min)

Tell the story of soldiers at Valley Forge, highlighting their courage and faith. Explain how George Washington helped keep soldiers' spirits high and trusted in God's protection.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Soldiers had very little food
  • They were cold and had few warm clothes
  • Many got sick, but they didn't give up
  • They trained and became stronger
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do you think the soldiers felt?
  • What would help you stay brave during hard times?
  • How might praying help someone during difficult moments?
3Activity: Valley Forge Winter Scene (7 min)
hands-on craft

Create a winter scene showing soldiers' camp using paper and cotton balls

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a simple landscape on white paper
  2. Glue cotton balls to represent snow
  3. Draw tiny soldiers training or huddling together
  4. Add details like trees or tents
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw landscape for students

Challenge: Add more historical details to scene

4Closing (3 min)

Remind students that God helps us through difficult times, just like He helped the soldiers

📝 Review Questions:
  • What made Valley Forge hard for soldiers?
  • How did they show perseverance?
  • What can we learn from their courage?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving people strength during hard times. Help us to be brave like the soldiers at Valley Forge.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about how America won its freedom!

💎 Memory Verse

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.”

— James 1:12 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Stand up and sit down for each word of the verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Valley Forge was a critical moment in the Revolutionary War where soldiers faced extreme hardship

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use a gentle, age-appropriate tone when discussing hardships
  • Emphasize hope and God's provision
  • Encourage empathy for historical figures
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find the concept of prolonged suffering difficult to understand

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Compassionate responses and understanding of perseverance

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research what soldiers ate during winter
  • Act out a day in the life of a Valley Forge soldier
  • Learn about winter survival skills

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 70 →Back to History & Social Studies