Social Studies

American Revolution: In this integrated unit, fourth graders are introduced to the historical context around the time of the American Revolution. They learn about the people in the colonies (British colonists, African-Americans, and Indigenous Americans) and the roles they played in the American Revolution. Students learn to use a variety of primary and secondary sources to develop an understanding of the events and different perspectives during this time in our history. 

Our social studies unit on the American Revolution is integrated with informational reading and writing. Students will explore the historical context around the time of the American Revolution and learn about key events leading up to and during the Revolutionary War.  They will learn about the men and women in the colonies (British colonists, African-Americans, and Native Americans) and the roles they played in the American Revolution. Students will be analyzing both primary and secondary sources to develop an understanding of these events. They will explore varying perspectives during this time in our history.

As part of their study of this time period, we will take a field trip to either the Stanley Whitman House OR the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History to deepen their understanding with hands-on activities centered around the Revolution. 

To elevate and honor the unheard voices of the Revolution, students will select a research topic and create an artifact that represents their learning during this unit.  Each school will decide how to celebrate students' learning and share their artifacts with their community.

Reading: There are many nonfiction and historical fiction books available for fourth graders about this period of history. Your school library has a wide selection of books related to the American Revolution as well as The Farmington Libraries.  Epic also has an online collection of books related to the Revolution. 

Historical sites and museums: There are many local opportunities related to the Revolution.  These are just a few in Connecticut: 

• • Webb Deane Stevens Museum - Wethersfield

  • Connecticut River Museum - Essex

  • Nathaniel Hale Homestead - Coventry 

  • Connecticut Museum of Culture and History- Hartford (Free admission for families the first weekend of every month.  They also have family activity kits.)

Please note that the Farmington Library has museum passes to some of these locations. Revolutionary Connecticut is a state website with links to other options. 

Maps, atlases, or globes:  Using geographical resources to reference where historical events took place is a good way to help your child investigate history.