4th grade
Foundations of America: Upper Elementary Curriculum
A multi-lesson unit for grades 4–5 that shows how the ideas of liberty, self-government and the rule of law became
July 16, 2026
Teaching the History of America's Founding Era with Confidence
Quick access to trusted, classroom-ready resources for Grades 4–5 and beyond — gathered from the country’s leading historical institutions.
Quick Resources
Popular with 4th & 5th-grade teachers
5th grade
Why Did the Boston Tea Party Happen?
In December 1773, colonists in Boston dumped 342 chests of British tea into the harbor. Students investigate the Tea Act,
July 16, 2026
4th grade
Founding Documents Primary Source Set
A classroom set of the key documents of the American founding, from the Declaration of Independence to the Bill of
July 16, 2026
5th grade
George Washington and Leadership
Students explore how George Washington led the Continental Army, presided over the Constitutional Convention and, as first president, set precedents
July 16, 2026
4th grade
Colonial Life in 13 Colonies
A unit for grades 4–5 on everyday life in the thirteen English colonies, comparing New England, the Middle Colonies and
July 16, 2026
5th grade
The Constitution: Creating a New Government
Students learn why the founders replaced the Articles of Confederation, how the 1787 Constitutional Convention reached the Great Compromise, and
July 16, 2026
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About Us
America's Founding Era Education Forum
Our Mission
To help educate, excite, and inspire teachers, their students, and learners of all ages with knowledge of the importance of the Founding Era at a critical turning point in our American history.
AFEEF strives to help teachers — strapped for time and under other pressures – assemble lesson plans for students of American history, particularly those in the upper elementary school grades.
Whom We Serve
Based on our research, we have determined that many of the nation’s school districts have social studies coordinators. We intend to reach those administrators with our message about offerings and deliverables so that they will pass them on to teachers in their districts.
Many AFEEF members are education organizations with wide membership bases. We hope to reach this universe through the organizations themselves as they share best practices with other members to establish a national patriotic program of learning dedicated to assisting
Our primary goal is to assist American History teachers, especially those who teach upper elementary school students. We believe that 4th and 5th grade students are in the “sweet spot” for learning about the Founding Era.
Quick and Easy Access to Thorough and Accurate Content for Teachers
AFEEF helps teachers quickly find thoroughly vetted, accurate resources about America’s Founding Era (1607-1788) — organized by grade level, topic, and content type to save you time while meeting state history and civics standards of learning.
