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First-School.ws
The Cherry Tree and George Washington Legend
Print, read and discuss the famous legend of The Cherry Tree and George Washington written by M. L. Weems (Parson Weems). Discuss some basic facts about the first president of the United States. The legend text will print in the top half of the paper. Have children draw and color an illustration of the legend or select from the following activities:
Coloring pages: George Washington and the Cherry Tree (click on image to print)
Visit related CHERRIES THEME lesson plans and printable activities for preschool and kindergarten.
The Cherry Tree
Author: M. L.
Weems
When George Washington was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of a hatchet of which, like most little boys, he was extremely fond. He went about chopping everything that came his way.
One day, as he wandered about the garden amusing himself by hacking his mother's pea- sticks, he found a beautiful, young English cherry tree, of which his father was most proud. He tried the edge of his hatchet on the trunk of the tree and barked it so that it died.
Some time after this, his father discovered what had happened to his favorite tree. He came into the house in great anger, and demanded to know who the mischievous person was who had cut away the bark. Nobody could tell him anything about it.
Just then George, with his little hatchet, came into the room.
"George," said his father, "do you know who has killed my beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden? I would not have taken five guineas for it!"
This was a hard question to answer, and for a moment George was staggered by it, but quickly recovering himself he cried: --
"I cannot tell a lie, father, you know I cannot tell a lie! I did cut it with my little hatchet."
The anger died out of his father's face, and taking the boy tenderly in his arms, he said: --
"My son, that you should not be afraid to tell the truth is more to me than a thousand trees! yes, though they were blossomed with silver and had leaves of the purest gold!"
I am George Washington (Series: Ordinary people change the world)
Author: Brad Meltzer - Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulus
Genre: Biography Ages: 5 - 8
Description > This book follows George Washington to become the first president of the United States, including the Revolutionary War. It is also revealed that the cherry tree childhood story is just a legend. This is one of a wonderful collection of engaging biographies to introduce young children to inspiring historical figures.
