Washington, D.c
Scrambled States Series
What’s inside...
Discusses the land and climate, economy, government, and history of Washington, D.C. Includes Internet links to Web sites.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What interesting fact did you learn about Washington, D.C. that you didn't know before?
How do the landmarks in Washington, D.C. help tell the story of America?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a president living in the White House?
If you could visit any place in Washington, D.C., where would you go and why?
How do the people in Washington, D.C. contribute to the functioning of the United States government?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express what they found most fascinating about Washington, D.C., and explore more about it together online or in other books.
Discuss the importance of the various landmarks and how they symbolize different aspects of American history and governance.
Prompt your child to think about leadership and responsibility by discussing the role of a president and what decisions they might make if in that position.
Plan a virtual or physical family trip to Washington, D.C. using the book as a guide to choose which landmarks to visit.
Use a map of Washington, D.C. to visualize where the landmarks are and help your child understand the city's layout and its significance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Government Functions
Explanation: The book gives a detailed tour of Washington D.C., explaining the different branches of government and their roles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about civic responsibility and the importance of understanding how government decisions impact their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for History
Explanation: Through the exploration of monuments and historical sites, the book highlights significant events and figures in American history.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their heritage, promoting visits to local historical sites or participation in related school projects.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Washington D.C. is portrayed as a melting pot of cultures, celebrating various ethnic neighborhoods and international embassies.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to embrace cultural diversity in their own communities, fostering respect and inclusion.
Example Lesson: Geographical Knowledge
Explanation: The book navigates through the geographical layout of the city, acquainting children with its structure and significance.
Real-World Application: This can enhance spatial thinking skills and motivate children to explore maps or create their own of familiar locations.