As Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, start your lesson by explaining to children what it was about. Print a picture of the original script from the website of the National Archives -- the small letters don't have to be legible -- and the painting of the signatories (available at www.USHistory.org). Circle Thomas Jefferson on that painting with a marker and explain in single words how the 13 colonies revolted against the then Kingdom of Great Britain to create the United States.
Distribute colorless portraits of Thomas Jefferson. The website Apples 4 the Teacher (www.apples4theteacher.com) offers a number of coloring pages of President Jefferson. Instruct children to use their crayons and color the portraits as they desire. This means that they can give the former president black, blonde, red or white hair and use green and yellow for his clothes. The purpose of this activity is not to create an accurate depiction of Thomas Jefferson, but allow children to practice their motor skills.
Explain to children that Thomas Jefferson is associated with the state of Virginia, as he was born and raised there, worked as a lawyer in the state and was also a member of its House of Burgesses. Draw the outline of Virginia with dotted lines. Place marks throughout the lines and write large numbers next to them. Make a copy for each student and distribute it in class. Then show children where to start tracing the state and write the number "2" on the board. Ask them to locate "2" on their paper and trace towards it. Continue the process with numbers 3, 4, 5 and so forth. This way, young children are also introduced to numbers.
When Thomas Jefferson became president, the initial 13 states had become 15, with the addition of Vermont and Kentucky. This status didn't change during Jefferson's eight-year tenure, so he served exclusively under the 15-star flag. Download the 15-star flag (www.USFlag.org) and use an image editing software, such as Microsoft Paint, to remove the colors. Make a copy for each student and distribute the colorless flag in class. This time, however, do not give children the freedom to use any color they want, but show them how to add red and blue on the flag.