The midnight ride of Paul Revere is an iconic event in American history that has been immortalized in a famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem, which was first published in 1861, has been a staple of American literature and culture for generations. In this article, we will explore the significance of Paul Revere's ride, the poem that immortalized it, and provide a printable version for kids and educators.
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and another messenger, William Dawes, were sent by Dr. Joseph Warren to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were on their way to Lexington and Concord to arrest them. The British had been planning to crack down on the growing rebellion in the colonies, and the arrest of these two leaders was seen as a key step in quelling the uprising.
Revere and Dawes set out on horseback, riding through the night to reach Lexington and Concord before the British troops arrived. Along the way, they stopped to warn other colonists, including the famous "Old North Church" in Boston, where Revere famously hung two lanterns in the steeple to signal to the colonists that the British were coming by sea.
The Poem that Immortalized the Ride
The poem "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was first published in 1861, more than 80 years after the event it commemorates. The poem is written in a lyrical style, with a focus on the drama and excitement of the ride.
One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm, For the country-folk to be up and to arm.
The poem follows Revere and Dawes as they ride through the night, warning the colonists of the impending arrival of the British troops. It ends with the famous lines:
One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm, For the country-folk to be up and to arm.
Teaching the Poem to Kids
The poem "Paul Revere's Ride" is a great way to teach kids about American history and literature. Here are a few tips for teaching the poem to kids:
- Start by reading the poem aloud to the class, and ask them to follow along.
- Stop at key points in the poem to ask questions and encourage discussion.
- Use visual aids, such as maps and pictures, to help kids understand the context of the poem.
- Encourage kids to create their own illustrations or artwork inspired by the poem.
- Consider having kids create their own poems or stories about Paul Revere's ride.
Printable Version for Kids and Educators
Here is a printable version of the poem "Paul Revere's Ride" for kids and educators:
Paul Revere's Ride
One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm, For the country-folk to be up and to arm.
Then he said "Good-night!" and with muffled oar Silently rowed to the Charlestown shore, Just as the moon rose over the bay, Where swinging wide at her moorings lay The Somerset, British man-of-war:
A phantom ship, with her crew unseen, Waiting the signal to start the sheen, Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.
You can print out this version of the poem and use it in your classroom or at home. Consider adding illustrations or artwork to make it more engaging for kids.
Additional Resources
Here are a few additional resources you can use to teach kids about Paul Revere's ride:
- The Paul Revere House: This is the actual house where Paul Revere lived, and it is now a museum.
- The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: This is a children's book that tells the story of Paul Revere's ride in a fun and engaging way.
- Paul Revere's Ride: This is a video that tells the story of Paul Revere's ride in a dramatic and exciting way.
Conclusion
The poem "Paul Revere's Ride" is a classic work of American literature that has been inspiring kids and educators for generations. By teaching this poem, you can help kids learn about American history and literature in a fun and engaging way. We hope that this article has been helpful in providing a printable version of the poem, as well as additional resources for teaching kids about Paul Revere's ride.
What was the significance of Paul Revere's ride?
+Paul Revere's ride was significant because it warned the colonists that the British were coming to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, which helped to spark the American Revolution.
Who wrote the poem "Paul Revere's Ride"?
+The poem "Paul Revere's Ride" was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
What is the most famous line from the poem?
+The most famous line from the poem is "One if by land, and two if by sea;".