Who Was James Madison?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

James Madison’s life and contributions to U.S. history

As the fourth president of the United States, James Madison was an important member of the country’s history.

• What do you already know about him?

Download, print, and fill in the Graphic Organizer - KWL Chart found in Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar. The K portion is what you already know. The W portion is what you want to know, and the L portion is what you learn (when you are done with this lesson).

As a third, fourth, or fifth grader, you may already know a lot about the fourth president of the United States.

• What do you WANT to know about him?

• Do you want to explore his personal story or his education?
• Do you want to know about his contributions to the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
• Do you want to know more about his service to the government before he became president?

James Madison was a great contributor to the history of the United States, and after this lesson, you will be able to name three of those contributions.

First, create a list of three or more areas you would like to study about President Madison. Put that in the W column of your KWL chart.

Now, get started learning about James Madison as you watch this video.

James Madison was often sick as a child.

• What effect do you think that may have had on his childhood and adulthood?
• Is your health important to your future aspirations and abilities?

Make a list of the complications that could come from not being healthy.

• Could it hinder your chances for opportunities?

When you are ready to learn more about America's fourth president, move on to the Got It? section!