An American Army of Two (On My Own History)
On My Own History Series
What’s inside...
During the War of 1812, Rebecca and Abigail Bates save their town's ships from the British by playing 'Yankee Doodle' on a fife and drum to simulate the approach of American troops.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Rebecca and Abigail Bates felt when they saw the British ships approaching?
What would you have done if you were in their position?
Why do you think the sisters chose to play the fife and drum to scare away the British soldiers?
What qualities do you think made the Bates sisters heroes in this story?
How did the actions of the sisters change the outcome for their town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the Bates sisters and imagine the courage it took to act as they did.
Discuss the significance of bravery and quick thinking, highlighting how the sisters used their resources and talents to make a difference.
Ask your child about times they have faced fear and what they did to overcome it, relating their experiences to the story.
Highlight the historical context of the story, explaining the tension between Britain and America during that era to deepen their understanding of the stakes.
Praise your child's insights and thoughts as they express their views on the story, fostering a supportive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and courage
Explanation: The story portrays the bravery of two young sisters, Rebecca and Abigail Bates, who use their quick thinking and courage to scare off British troops during the War of 1812.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for what is right, demonstrating bravery in challenging situations at school or in their communities.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking
Explanation: The Bates sisters creatively use a fife and drum to mimic the sounds of an entire army, which is a clever and resourceful way to handle a dangerous situation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively to solve problems, whether in their academic projects or in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Rebecca and Abigail work together to protect their town, showing that teamwork can achieve great results even against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with classmates on group projects or supporting their peers in team sports or activities.
Example Lesson: Patriotism and duty
Explanation: The sisters' actions are driven by a sense of duty and love for their country, demonstrating patriotism.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of contributing to their community and country, understanding the importance of civic duties from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empowerment of young individuals
Explanation: The story highlights how young individuals can make significant impacts, empowering children to see themselves as capable and influential.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take initiative in their actions and believe in their ability to make a difference in their environments.