I have a Masters in Education too, and I'm still learning. I didn't realize until reading John Adams that the colonies had tried to get Canada to join as the 14th colony. So don't feel all alone about what you don't know!
I have taught US History for 12 years and still learn new things about John Adams. Most historians believe John Adams to be in the bottom half of the list of "effective" Presidents. He didn't get a lot done in his 4 years. However, he was much accomplished in his time before becoming President. He was pretty important in the Continental Congress. He was important in the discussion for Independence. Most of this is coming out now, because of this book, John Adams. Another great book that describes the founding fathers is "Founding Brothers" very good. I will get the author later.
I am glad that McCullough uses so many references to letters and journals in his book. I enjoy learning about the relationships he had with the other founding fathers and to read of his opinions on different issues of the time. Most of my history classes in college spent little time on John Adams because he was considered "on the bottom half of the list of 'effective' Presidents" as mentioned by Steve. I am, however, really enjoying learning about all of his contributions to the founding of our nation.
Everyday in my school we have DEAR (drop everything and read). My students think it is funny how I keep marking up the book, underlining, writing notes to myself, and posting post it notes with teaching ideas. I think it has been good for them to see how you should read a book and what they will be doing when they are in college.
Each time I pick up John Adams, I get more and more excited for the trip to see the places that he is mentioning.
This book fascinates me. I enjoy the fact, like some of the other people who have posted have mentioned, that I am not only finding out so much about John Adams, but also the other founding fathers. It never occurred to me that Thomas Jefferson was only 33 years old when he drafted the Declaration of Independence or that "he scarely said a word" in Congress. I also didn't realize that it was "such a political advantage in having the declaration written by a Viginian...for the same reason there had been political advantage in having Virginian Washington in command of the army." All the details are great!!
I have a Masters in Education too, and I'm still learning. I didn't realize until reading John Adams that the colonies had tried to get Canada to join as the 14th colony. So don't feel all alone about what you don't know!
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest part about history and the opportunity that we have to experience it, there is always something to learn.
ReplyDeleteI have taught US History for 12 years and still learn new things about John Adams. Most historians believe John Adams to be in the bottom half of the list of "effective" Presidents. He didn't get a lot done in his 4 years. However, he was much accomplished in his time before becoming President. He was pretty important in the Continental Congress. He was important in the discussion for Independence. Most of this is coming out now, because of this book, John Adams.
ReplyDeleteAnother great book that describes the founding fathers is "Founding Brothers"
very good. I will get the author later.
I am glad that McCullough uses so many references to letters and journals in his book. I enjoy learning about the relationships he had with the other founding fathers and to read of his opinions on different issues of the time. Most of my history classes in college spent little time on John Adams because he was considered "on the bottom half of the list of 'effective' Presidents" as mentioned by Steve. I am, however, really enjoying learning about all of his contributions to the founding of our nation.
ReplyDeleteEveryday in my school we have DEAR (drop everything and read). My students think it is funny how I keep marking up the book, underlining, writing notes to myself, and posting post it notes with teaching ideas. I think it has been good for them to see how you should read a book and what they will be doing when they are in college.
Each time I pick up John Adams, I get more and more excited for the trip to see the places that he is mentioning.
This book fascinates me. I enjoy the fact, like some of the other people who have posted have mentioned, that I am not only finding out so much about John Adams, but also the other founding fathers. It never occurred to me that Thomas Jefferson was only 33 years old when he drafted the Declaration of Independence or that "he scarely said a word" in Congress. I also didn't realize that it was "such a political advantage in having the declaration written by a Viginian...for the same reason there had been political advantage in having Virginian Washington in command of the army."
ReplyDeleteAll the details are great!!