Overview and Prep – “Igniting the American Dream!”
Kick off with enthusiasm as we prep for this star-spangled adventure! Review the goal: pulling together national parks, state guides, movies, books, and more into one epic roadmap. Discuss how the U.S. grew from 13 states to 50, fostering a spirit of unity and opportunity.
- Activities: Create a family “Roadschool Passport” (stamp it per state with drawings or stickers).
- Sign up/renew memberships These two are recipricol museums and membership in these will get you in free or very cheap to museums across the country.
- NARM (for art/history museums)
- ASTC (for science centers)
- National Park Pass
- Patriotic Twist: Make red-white-and-blue trail mix for road snacks and share what excites you about America’s story.
- For food dye allergies cherries, blueberries and homemade whip cream will do.
- Challenge: Plan your first RV route/vacation—map out potential campsites near the Week 2 states or review photos of a time you were already there.
Here are the items you can memorize with friends during this 18 week adventure:
Remember some kids will be much more motivated to memorize so when setting goals make them personal and look for improvement. (Insert youtube on doing poetry memorization as a group)
Pledge of Allegiance
Star Spangled Banner
States in order of entrance to the USA
States in Alphabetical Order
Declaration of Independence
Preamble to the Constitution
Bill of Rights
Things to make and add to each week:
Timeline – These are super easy with today’s technology. Here’s a youtube link to our latest Timeline Idea
Display board – Select topics early for an end of unit presentation OR create one as a family and add to it each week.
Costume – If you’re doing this with a group be sure the kids select their historic character early so you don’t duplicate and any presentation will be much more enjoyable.