On the 4th of July, I usually do some kind of teaching of American history.  This seems like a good time to do this and it makes the time go by faster while the kids are waiting for the afternoon parade.  This year, Chad read the Declaration of Independence, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed the American flag as it grew and changed.  Then Chad asked if they could watch a video that I had purchased awhile back called, "A More Perfect Union", subtitled "America Becomes A Nation".  I had been waiting for the right time to let them see this so I said they could.

They were spellbound.  My boys hung on to every word and kept calling me in to watch, which I did in between food prep.  I enjoyed it, too.  It begins after the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Continental Congress meets, and the Constitution is created.  It ends with George Washington being sworn in as President.  James Madison is the main character and all the actors do a very good job, in my opinion.  Chad already knows quite a bit of American history (he reads alot) and could answer questions that Alec had during the film.  This film was made as an educational tool and makes you feel that this is how things could have transpired.  It's not Hollywood-abused, just good acting.  I like things like this.  Simple, straightforward.  It's made me want to read a book we got about James Madison for older children.  Chad pointed out historical sites in the film:  for example, they convene the Congress in the actual room that it happened in, including the chair George Washington sits in.  Chad showed me a picture in an encyclopedia.  Cool.

My boys have seen the film several times now and have continued their own learning.  Alec decided to write the Declaration of Independence in the same manner it was originally written.  We bought some double-sized construction paper and I had already purchased a quill pen with powdered ink.  We mixed up the ink and he set to writing out the document.  Good cursive practice!  He covered one entire page and 1/3 of another before he stopped and asked if he could continue on the computer - I guess his writing hand got tired!  I was really proud of his effort - and it looks pretty good for an 11 year old. 

Chad decided to recreate the Continental Congress using everyone's Beanie Babies (courtesy of Grandma) they've accumulated over the years.  The boys have spent several afternoons squabbling over fair representation, voting and adjourning when necessary.  Chad decided to rewrite the Constitution of Oregon, recording all the counties and their populations and deciding on fair representation.  They are having fun with all this - unbelievable! 

And now, Chad has been reading a lot (and I mean a lot) about Presidents and other government stuff, telling me way more than I want to know about politics.  But it's his learning style (narration, is that what's it's called?) and I listen as much as I can. 

It's just amazing, to me, that so much learning and fun has taken place, all because of one well-crafted history video.  God is good.  This video brings God into the picture because, after all, it was His will that our Nation became nation.  I don't normally rely on videos for much but this video has managed to spur my children on to learning more on their own than I ever could have inspired.  What joy it is to hear Alec ask his older brother a history question and Chad answers him.  As you know, learning is not often this easy for the kids or for me.  I am enjoying this and hope it last longer than most of their fads!

(If you are interested in this film, leave a comment and I'll give you all the info - there's nothing in this for me, just sharing what we've enjoyed!)