This week we will be learning all about Ben Franklin and his contributions to American life. Many of us remember that he helped to draft the Declaration of Independence along with Thomas Jefferson and John Adams and that he published Poor Richard's Almanac with his
many famous sayings. ("early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" and "A penny saved is a penny earned".) But did you know that he also invented the bifocals, a rocking chair that churned butter at the same time, the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, the odometer, and an instrument called the armonica? He was also the first postmaster general, started the first volunteer fire department, is credited with the first public library in Philadelphia, and started what is now the University of Pennsylvania. These are just a few of the interesting things that your child will be learning about Benjamin Franklin this week. Here is a website designed for kids that you can visit with your child to learn more. It is http://bensguide.gpo.gov/benfranklin/
You can also go to PebbleGo biographies on the Cobb Virtual Library. Your child can help lead you there from the Cobb website. Don't forget you will need the username and password. I sent those home last week on a red bookmark. Email me if you need me to resend them to you. Enjoy! This is new to PebbleGo this year and will be of use as we continue to study the impact of other American heroes throughout this year.
