What Your Child is Learning in Unit 3, "Establishing the New Nation"

In this unit, your child will learn about the inauguration of the first President, the development of the first political parties, and the gaining of international respect through both diplomacy and war. He or she will discover the contributions of the major political leaders of the day, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and Martin Van Buren. Your child will also look at the changing world of the nation's "common folk"--Eastern farmers, African Americans, women, immigrants and Native Americans.

Activities You Can Do at Home to Support Your Child's Learning

Chapter 5 The Creation of a Party System

• Discuss with your son or daughter what he or she has been learning about the beginnings of the political party system. For several days, follow a political news event or campaign and focus on the role of the political parties involved. Discuss with your child what happened, who was involved, and how they dealt with one another.

Chapter 6 The Maturing Republic

• If possible, set up an interview for your son or daughter with someone from another culture. Encourage your child to ask the individual how American culture is both different from and similar to their own.

• Encourage your child to read the inaugural address of one of the Presidents they have learned about so far--from the time of George Washington to Andrew Jackson. Ask how the inaugural address reflects the needs and interests of people at that time.

• Women, African Americans, and Native Americans experienced dramatic changes in the first half of the 1800s. Encourage your child to choose one of these groups and read a book about these changes. Then, have him or her locate articles in newspapers or magazines that talk about the status of the same group today. Discuss what has changed and what has not.