Virginia SOL 2.7.a

Social Studies2nd Grade

The Standard

John Adams

Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students identify John Adams as a leader who supported American independence. They explain that he helped argue for independence, served as a diplomat, and later became the second president.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name two contributions John Adams made and place them in a sensible order. The student can explain how his work helped the new nation.
Common Misconceptions: Students may confuse John Adams with Samuel Adams. They may think he was president during the Revolution or that he wrote the Declaration of Independence alone.
How to Assess It: Give this exit ticket: “Name two ways John Adams helped the United States. Circle the contribution that happened first.”

Lesson moves

Give groups picture cards showing Adams as a lawyer, independence supporter, diplomat, and president, then have them build a floor timeline.
Ask students to write: “Which John Adams contribution helped the new nation most, and why?”
Play Who Am I with clue cards about John Adams, Samuel Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson.
Show a modern courtroom oath, then discuss why Adams defended British soldiers even when many colonists were angry.

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