Core Skills Analysis
History
- Learnt about the historical significance of the Gettysburg battlefield as a pivotal site in the American Civil War.
- Understood the strategic importance of the Battle of Gettysburg and its impact on the course of U.S. history.
- Developed awareness of the human experiences and sacrifices involved in the battle by visiting the cemetery and memorials.
- Recognized key figures and events associated with Gettysburg, such as President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Geography
- Gained a sense of place by exploring the geographic layout of the Gettysburg battlefield and surrounding area.
- Identified physical landforms and terrain features that influenced battle strategies.
- Learned to read maps and understand spatial relationships between key locations within Gettysburg.
Civic Education
- Developed an appreciation for national heritage and the importance of preserving historic sites.
- Reflected on concepts of unity, freedom, and democracy in the context of the Civil War.
- Engaged with themes of citizenship and collective memory through the interpretation of monuments and speeches.
Tips
Tips:
To deepen understanding, encourage your student to research personal stories of soldiers or civilians affected by the Battle of Gettysburg to humanize the historical events. Create mapping activities that involve sketching the battlefield layout and identifying strategic positions to build spatial reasoning. Further, explore the text and themes of the Gettysburg Address to discuss rhetoric and its power in shaping public sentiment. Lastly, consider visiting or virtually touring other Civil War sites or museums to compare perspectives and deepen civic awareness about heritage preservation.
Book Recommendations
- Gettysburg: The Graphic History of America's Most Famous Battle by Cullen Murphy: A visually engaging, detailed account of the Battle of Gettysburg designed for young readers, combining narrative with illustrations.
- The Gettysburg Address: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey: A student-friendly adaptation of Lincoln's speech that explores its meaning and historical context through graphic storytelling.
- If You Were There At The Battle of Gettysburg by Elizabeth Levy: An immersive narrative that places the reader in the midst of the battle, exploring the experiences of soldiers and civilians alike.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.3: Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats related to history.
Try This Next
- Create a timeline worksheet detailing the key events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Gettysburg.
- Write a diary entry or letter from the perspective of a soldier or civilian during the battle to develop empathy and narrative skills.