To broaden their understanding of both the short term and long terms effects of the Civil War, class groups examine primary source materials and then assume the role of a family member and draft a letter to a soldier describing life at home.

Concepts

the united states civil war

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Divide the class into two groups; one representing soldiers and one family members and then have the pairs exchange letters describing their experiences

Classroom Considerations

• Although designed for and reflective of Tennessee history, the plan may be easily adapted for any classroom

Pros

• The packet includes links to primary source materials and resources including photos and letters

Cons

• Some class members may need additional scaffolding to understand how to use information found in the primary source documents to craft their letter

Common Core

W.5.1.a W.5.3.d W.8.1.a W.8.3.d