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Forming a Nation: The Last of the Mohicans, Washington Irving, and the Founding Fathers

The Last of the Mohicans

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The French and Indian War, an often overlooked period of American History, paved the way for the American colonies to develop their own identity apart from the rest of the British Empire. It also provided the backdrop for America's first literary success, The Last of the Mohicans, which in recent years has been overlooked as well. The friendship between Hawkeye, a white woodsman, and Chingachgook, a Mohican warrior, epitomize the melting pot of American culture. This American classic is one that deserves a second look.

In the decades following the French and Indian War, the Founding Fathers made their move for independence, resulting in the American Revolution. No other time period is more important in American history than this—the era when the United States of America was born.

These materials are designed for the teaching of the French and Indian War, The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the works of the Founding Fathers, and the American Revolution.

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR This worksheet explains the background and significance of the French and Indian War in American history.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS: PART I This script-story adapts the first part of James Fenimore Cooper's timeless novel, The Last of the Mohicans. To purchase all four script-stories that adapt the full novel, visit the Creative English Teacher store.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS READING GUIDES  These worksheets, which coordinate with the script-story version of the novel, guide the students' reading of the text by asking them to answer simple and deep-thinking questions about the story. Keys are included as well.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS EXAM AND/OR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS These discussion questions ask students to analyze the characters and deep themes of the novel. They could also be used as an essay exam.

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS NOVEL BACKGROUND This worksheet explains the literary significance of James Fenimore Cooper's most famous novel.

LIFE IN COLONIAL TIMES PACKET, QUESTIONS, AND KEY  This packet, which features excerpts from a text called Great Colonial American Projects You Can Build Yourself published by Nomad Press, gives great background on everyday life in Colonial times. A reading guide and key are also included. For more information on this text visit:  nomadpress.net/books/colonial-america 

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND EXCERPTS FROM POOR RICHARD'S ALMANACK This packet features excerpts from Franklin's Autobiography as well as selections from Poor Richard's Alamack with relevant discussion questions.

THE ADVENTURES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCRIPT-STORY (SALE ITEM) Almost from the time of its publication Franklin's life-story has been required reading for school children. This script-story dramatizes Franklin's early life and emphasizes the freedom of the press. 

THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA This worksheet analyzes some of the American myths that grew up around the Founding Fathers: George Washington and his cherry tree, Betsy Ross, and Paul Revere's midnight ride. Although some of these stories are inaccurate, this mini-essay posits that they are "true" to the spirit of America.

PAUL REVERE'S MIDNIGHT RIDE SCRIPT-STORY (SALE ITEM) This script-story dramatizes the events in Boston leading up to the first battles of the American Revolution. Told through the viewpoint of Paul Revere, a young man who joins the struggle for American freedom, this action-packed story will bring American history to life for your students. 

THE FOUNDING FATHERS SCRIPT-STORY (SALE ITEM) Need a humorous way to teach your students about the men and women who helped create America? This script-story pits the Founding Fathers against one another in a humorous back-and-forth. In spite of the script's humorous tone, all of the information presented is educational and accurate. 

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE KEY PHRASES This assignment asks students to define key phrases from the Declaration of Independence, locate them within the original document, and explain their importance.

SPEECH TO THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION This worksheet presents the full text of Patrick Henry's famous speech as well as questions for discussion.

THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW AND OTHER STORIES SCRIPT-STORY COLLECTION (SALE ITEM) Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman are two of American Literature's most famous creations. Their creator, Washington Irving, is one of America's most underrated writers. Adapting European folktales by placing them in an American setting, Irving used humor and social commentary to establish a reputation as one of America's first famous storytellers. This download includes "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "The Devil and Tom Walker," and "Rip Van Winkle."

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SEARCHING FOR AMERICA: FORMING A NATION This collection of 11 script-stories adapts The Last of the Mohicans, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Rip Van Winkle," Paul Revere's midnight ride, tales of the Founding Fathers, and the Salem Witch Trials. Each script-story comes with a 2-page teacher guide with teachable terms, suggested activities, and recall/discussion questions. The textbook also includes the Salem Witch Trials Witch Hunt game! To learn more, click here.