Let’s create an exciting unit study on Philadelphia! This historic city holds a treasure trove of stories, events, and landmarks that have shaped American history. In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of children’s books, lesson ideas, and educational products that will make learning about Philadelphia engaging and memorable for elementary-aged children. Let’s dive into this captivating journey through the City of Brotherly Love!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may make commission off of purchases made through the product links.
Book List for a Philadelphia Unit Study
Picture Books
- “A is for America: A Patriotic Alphabet Book” by Tanya Lee Stone
- “Good Night Philadelphia” by Adam Gamble
- “The Liberty Bell” by Mary Firestone
- “Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin” by Robert Lawson
- “Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia” by John Skewes
- “The Bravest Woman in America” by Marissa Moss
Chapter books
- “Eliza Bing Is (Not) a Big, Fat Quitter” by Carmella Van Vleet (set in Philadelphia and explores its neighborhoods)
- “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (features a scene at the Philadelphia Museum of Art)
- “The Sign of the Beaver” by Elizabeth George Speare (takes place in Colonial-era Philadelphia)
Lesson Ideas
- Create a Liberty Bell craft using paper plates, paint, and jingle bells. Discuss its historical significance.
- Organize a virtual field trip to Independence Hall and have children present a short play reenacting the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Construct a mini replica of the Philadelphia Museum of Art using recycled materials and explore famous artworks from the museum’s collection.
- Have children research and create a timeline of key events in Philadelphia’s history, including the founding of the city, the American Revolution, and more.
- Prepare a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak or soft pretzel recipe and discuss the city’s culinary traditions.
- Conduct a virtual tour of the Reading Terminal Market, exploring different vendors and their products.
- Design a “Philadelphia Landmarks” board game, where players move through famous sites like the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Franklin Institute.
- Explore the Philadelphia Zoo online and have students create informative posters about their favorite animals.
- Make quill pens and write your own “Declaration of Independence” for how your homeschool is governed.
- Visit a local park or go on a nature walk to study trees and their importance, inspired by the rich tree heritage of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.
Educational Resources
- “The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps!” by Gabrielle Balkan
- “Independence Hall 3D Puzzle” – A fun and educational puzzle to build the iconic hall
- “The Kids Guide to Philadelphia” by Eileen Ogintz
- “Philadelphia Adventure Map” – A foldable map featuring notable landmarks and attractions in Philadelphia.
- “Philadelphia: A Photographic Portrait” by Paul Scharff – Stunning photographs capturing the beauty and history of Philadelphia.
- “Wild Philly: Explore the Amazing Nature in and Around Philadelphia” by Mike Weilbacher
You can find all educational resources for a Philadelphia Unit Study on our Amazon Storefront.
By embarking on this Philadelphia unit study, your elementary-aged children will gain a deep appreciation for the rich history, culture, and landmarks of this remarkable city. Through engaging books, hands-on activities, and educational resources, they will develop a strong connection to Philadelphia’s past and present. Happy exploring, and may this unit study ignite a lifelong love for learning and discovery in your young learners!
