In my classroom...

One of my favorite books that incorporates history into the classroom is "John, Paul, George, & Ben" by Lane Smith. I got this book a couple of years ago when I visited Monticello and it makes me laugh in a different way every time I read it. The general theme of this book is to learn about how John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin all became famous. Some of the tales that we relate to them are brought to life in this book. The main story element that is exemplified is characters because they are an integral part of this book and the main point of the stories. Some activities that could expand students' knowledge would include:

*Have the students create more stories about each of these characters that differs from that in the story

*Have the students research about other famous individuals in history and write a short story about how they became famous