New Nation Learning Guide Home:School Connections Unit Overview This unit will pick up at the end of the Revolutionary War with the role Virginia and its people had in the establishment of our new nation. Why is George Washington called “The Father of Our Country” and James Madison called the “Father of the Constitution”? Students will learn about these founding fathers, as well as the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson through the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. As the nation was established, Virginians began to move westward and students will explore the influence of geography as a reason for this movement into the western territories. Key Terms and Concepts Your student may come home discussing new terms and concepts. Here are just a few so you can continue the conversation: 
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Virginia Declaration of Rights migrate  Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom  frontier 
constitution Home Support There are a number of ways you can support your student during this unit. These are just a few suggestions:  Visit Virginia.org and learn more about famous Virginians such as Washington, Madison, Jefferson, and Mason. Plan a trip to visit the homes of these fine gentlemen to get a glimpse of their everyday lives.  Does your family attend religious services? Discuss with your child how the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom helped established religious freedom in the new nation for citizens.  Has your family moved around the state or country? Discuss the reason for moving with your child to help them connect to the migration of Virginians out towards the western territories of the states. You could even go back and discuss the movement of your family from the time of immigration. Books and Websites Here are some books you can read to your child.  America’s Founding Fathers Series published by  Founding Fathers: Comix with Content by Bentley Boyd Enslow Publishers  Constitution Construction by Bentley Boyd There are many kid‐friendly websites to explore the past. A few worth checking out are:  Name That Founding Father [http://www.history.org/kids/games/foundingFather.cfm]  Colonial Hall [http://colonialhall.com/index_t1.php]  Virginia Trekkers [http://www.virginiatrekkers.com]  National Archives: Digital Vault [http://www.digitalvaults.org/#]