Civil War:  Pieces of the Puzzle Lesson 1

Writings:  Clues to history

Grade Level:
6-8

Subject(s):
Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:
Students will become acquainted with the importance and  the abundance of writing that was done during the Civil War Era.

Time Frame:
2 (50 minute) class periods

Materials:
Paper and pencil for notes

Technology Tools/Courseware:
Internet resources

Teacher Notes:

• This lesson will serve as an introduction to primary sources from the Civil War time period showing the variety of personal stories.
• Please take some time to familiarize yourself with some of the writings suggested in the Internet resources, as some may contain material that you will need to discuss with the students.

Procedures:

1. Students will read a variety of journal entries and letters from Internet resources.
2. Each student will choose one entry or letter or an interesting excerpt to read aloud to class.

• Make a list of interesting or unknown jargon/slang/vocabulary.
• Identify at least one instance of fact and one instance of opinion in the piece.

Enrichment activities:

• Students could compare writings from someone living in the Confederacy with someone living in the Union.
• A class list of jargon found could be compiled.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives (IGO's)
Listening/Speaking
6.14    7.16    8.14
Reading
6.18    6.24    7.36    8.27
Reading vocabulary
6.39    7.39    8.38

National Standards
 Language Arts
    Standard 7  Benchmark 1
United States History
    Grade 6:          Standard 14  Benchmark3
    Grades 7-8:    Standard 14  Benchmark 2

References:
Civil War Internet Sites

Created By:
Mary Hansen
Sally McCumbee
Susan Thomas
Warm Springs Middle School, Berkeley Springs, WV

writings	timeline	muster roll	inventions	photographs