Teaching Resources

The Men Who Made Tennessee—John Donelson, James Robertson, John Sevier, and Nancy Ward—are specifically listed in the fifth grade Tennessee Social Studies Standards. Click below for free downloadable resources along with lesson plan instructions.

Book cover featuring John Sevier with text "My State Biographies: John Sevier and the Revolutionary Battle" and a cartoon character. Author: Vicki Hines.
Illustrated book cover titled 'Nancy Ward and the Legend of Taliwa' by Jill Pohl Ward, featuring a woman in traditional attire with a speech bubble and cartoon backpack.

Watauga Compact

Students will read both books. Students will take notes using the graphic organizer on the front. They will then use the graphic organizer to complete a writing assignment on the back. A writing rubric is included to help students self-assess (or assess a partner’s writing). Reading both books, completing the graphic organizer, and evaluating their writing using the writing rubric will take upper elementary students about 45-60 minutes to complete.

Worksheet template titled 'What Was the Watauga Compact?' with sections for details like who was involved, what, why, when, and where it was written. Center features a scroll labeled 'Watauga Compact.'
Book cover featuring James Robertson and a cartoon character, titled 'James Robertson and the First Frontier' by Vicki Hines as part of 'My State Biographies' series.
Book cover with title 'John Donelson and the Daring Flotilla' by Vicki Hines, featuring a historical portrait and cartoon character on a purple background.
Worksheet titled 'What Was the Cumberland Compact?' with sections for information regarding what it was, why it was written, who was involved, when and where it was written, and a scroll labeled 'Cumberland Compact' in the center.

Cumberland Compact

Students will read both books. Students will take notes using the graphic organizer on the front. They will then use the graphic organizer to complete a writing assignment on the back. A writing rubric is included to help students self-assess (or assess a partner’s writing). Reading both books, completing the graphic organizer, and evaluating their writing using the writing rubric will take upper elementary students about 45-60 minutes to complete.