Georgia SS4H2.a

Social Studies4th GradeHistorical Understandings

The Standard

Identify the major leaders of the Constitutional Convention (James Madison, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin).

Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies · Analyze the challenges faced by the framers of the Constitution.

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students recognize James Madison, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin by name or portrait. They connect each person to his role and contributions at the convention.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can match Washington with presiding, Madison with plans and detailed notes, and Franklin with encouraging compromise. The student can explain each match in simple words.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think Washington wrote the Constitution or that Franklin served as president. They may confuse Madison with Thomas Jefferson or other leaders from the Declaration of Independence.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Match each leader to presiding, taking detailed notes and proposing ideas, or encouraging compromise, then write one fact about each person.

Lesson moves

Give groups portrait, name, and role cards to sort into three leader sets, then check each set with a short reference sheet.
Ask students to write: Which leader had the hardest convention role, and what evidence supports your choice?
Play Who Am I by reading role clues while students hold up a Madison, Washington, or Franklin card.
Compare the convention to a class meeting by assigning a chairperson, recorder, and compromise adviser, then connect each job to a leader.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS4H2.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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