📖

Florida Joins the Union

The Monroe Doctrine and Growing Influence

Day 143of 180
Week 29of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how Florida became part of the United States

2

Learn about peaceful territorial acquisition

3

Recognize God's providence in national growth

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 16:9

“A man's heart plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps.”

— Proverbs 16:9 (WEB)

Shows how God guides nations and leaders in their decisions

📦 Materials Needed

  • Outline map of the United States
  • Colored pencils
  • Worksheet
  • Clipboard
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Show students a map of the United States before and after Florida's acquisition. Ask what they notice is different.

💭 Review Question: What countries owned land in North America before the United States?
2Teaching (10 min)

In 1819, the United States negotiated with Spain to purchase Florida. This was a peaceful way to expand the country's territory. The treaty was signed by John Quincy Adams and Luis de Onis, showing diplomacy could work instead of war.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Peaceful negotiation is better than conflict
  • The United States was growing and becoming stronger
  • God can work through leaders to accomplish His purposes
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why do you think Spain agreed to sell Florida?
  • How might peaceful negotiations help countries?
  • What challenges might people face when moving to a new territory?
3Activity: Florida Territory Map Activity (10 min)
worksheet

Students will color and label a map showing Florida's acquisition, noting key details about the transaction.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Color the Florida territory on the map
  2. Write the year of acquisition
  3. List two facts about the Florida Purchase
  4. Draw a small symbol representing peaceful negotiation
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw boundaries for students to color

Challenge: Add research about Native American populations in Florida

4Closing (5 min)

Recap how God guides nations and leaders, even through complex diplomatic processes.

📝 Review Questions:
  • What year did Florida join the United States?
  • Who negotiated the Florida Purchase?
  • Why is peaceful negotiation important?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for guiding leaders and helping nations grow in wisdom and peace.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the Missouri Compromise and how the country tried to maintain balance

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 16:9

“A man's heart plans his way, but Yahweh directs his steps.”

— Proverbs 16:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Step and Repeat - Students take steps while reciting verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The Florida Purchase expanded U.S. territory without military conflict, demonstrating diplomatic skill.

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Emphasize peaceful problem-solving
  • Discuss how different cultures interact
  • Highlight diplomatic communication
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding complex land negotiations and territorial expansion

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Student comprehension of peaceful territorial growth

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research other territorial acquisitions in U.S. history
  • Create a diplomatic negotiation role-play
  • Write a journal entry from a settler's perspective

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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