Lesson Idea | Leadership: Sorting it Out

The Leadership: Sorting it Out lesson from George Washington’s Mount Vernon is an inquiry-based civic learning activity designed to help students explore the leadership qualities of George Washington and the formation of the first cabinet. Using the 5E model, students in upper elementary through middle school analyze and categorize primary source quotes, discuss which voices are represented or missing, and connect leadership traits of Washington to modern-day leaders and themselves. This one-session lesson integrates history, civics, and social-emotional learning while encouraging students to think critically about the values, virtues, and character traits that define good leadership and engaged citizenship.