Student Worksheet
George Washington's Education
George Washington had very little education compared to most of the leaders in his day. He did not go away to school in England, like his two older half-brothers did. Likewise, he never went to college or studied another language. He finished school when he was about 16.
No one knows for certain who taught Washington or where he went to school. What people can study are his school papers. He received very useful schooling that would help him in many areas of his life.
Much later in life Washington describes his education as "defective." He was self-conscious about his lack of education. Throughout his life he continued to learn and improve himself. Sometimes he used books to learn. Often he would study people he respected and learn from them. Other times he learned from his own experiences.
Washington's first school papers are dated 1741. He already knew how to read, write and do math. How old was he when he wrote them? He was born in 1732.
Washington learned surveying in school. One of his school papers is a survey of his half-brother's turnip field. How would surveying help Washington?
His school paper showed he studied some geography, how to calculate interest on money, and copied many legal forms that were in use in Virginia. List one way Washington would use these skills later in life.
Boys who went to school in England, like Washington's older half-brothers spent a lot of time learning manners. Washington's school papers show he also spent some time learning manners. He copied a list of 110 rules people should follow for good behavior and good manners. They were called "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." These rules helped him as he grew up to communicate well with the people and leaders around him. When in Washington's life would communication be important?
Below are some of the rules Washington copied. Are any of them still important today?
4th
In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet. 6th
Sleep not when others speak… 9th
Spit not in the fire… 13th Kill no vermin as fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others… 15th Keep your nails clean and short… 51st Wear not your clothes foul, ripped or dusty… 56th Associate yourself with men of good quality… 66th Be… friendly and courteous… 73rd Think before you speak… 77th …whisper not in the company of others. 82nd … be careful to keep your promise 98th Drink not, nor talk with your mouth full,… 100th Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork or knife,…