📖

The Capital City: Washington, D.C.

The New Government Begins

Day 125of 180
Week 25of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how Washington, D.C. was chosen as the national capital

2

Learn about political compromise in early American government

3

Recognize how leaders can work together for the common good

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 15:1

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1 (WEB)

Shows how peaceful negotiation and compromise can resolve conflicts

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large map of United States
  • Green and blue colored pencils
  • Blank paper
  • Rulers
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show map of early United States. Ask them to imagine creating a brand new city to be the center of government.

💭 Review Question: What makes a good location for an important city?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain how Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson negotiated the location of the capital as a compromise between Northern and Southern states. Discuss how they found a location on the Potomac River that seemed fair to both regions.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Different states had different interests
  • Compromise means everyone gives a little to find a solution
  • The capital needed to be neutral ground
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why is compromise important in government?
  • How can people with different ideas work together?
  • What makes a good leader?
3Activity: Capital City Design (10 min)
hands-on mapping

Students will create their own map showing where they might place a capital city, considering geographic and strategic factors.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a simple United States map outline
  2. Mark potential capital locations
  3. Write reasons for each location choice
  4. Share and discuss maps with classmates
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Provide pre-drawn map with some location suggestions

Challenge: Research actual geographic considerations for capital placement

4Closing (5 min)

Recap how leaders can work together and find common ground

📝 Review Questions:
  • Where is Washington, D.C. located?
  • Why was its location a compromise?
  • How can we show respect when we disagree?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us to be peacemakers and to listen to others, just as the early leaders of our country tried to do.

Coming up: Next week, we'll learn more about how our government's branches work together

💎 Memory Verse

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

— Romans 12:18 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Peace Bridge Game: Students pass a paper 'bridge' while repeating the verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The capital's location was a complex political negotiation between Northern and Southern states

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Emphasize the importance of listening to others
  • Discuss how compromise doesn't mean everyone gets everything they want
  • Connect lesson to family decision-making experiences
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find it hard to understand why location was so important

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Understanding that working together is more important than winning

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Visit local government building
  • Research other capital cities around the world
  • Create a model of Washington, D.C. using building blocks

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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