I Survived the Great Chicago Fire 1871 / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and its impact on the city and its people.

Materials and Prep

  • I Survived the Great Chicago Fire 1871 book
  • Paper and pencil
  • Computer or tablet with internet access (optional)

No additional preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

  • Read the book "I Survived the Great Chicago Fire 1871" together or independently. Take notes on important events and characters.
  • Create a timeline of the events leading up to the fire, the fire itself, and the aftermath. Use the notes from the book to help you.
  • Write a short fictional story about a child who lived through the Great Chicago Fire. Use your imagination and the information you learned from the book to make it exciting and informative.
  • Draw a picture or create a diorama depicting the Great Chicago Fire. Include important landmarks and details from the book.
  • If you have access to the internet, research more about the Great Chicago Fire. Find interesting facts or stories that were not mentioned in the book and share them with your family or friends.

Talking Points

  • "The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a devastating fire that burned for two days, destroying a large portion of the city."
  • "The fire started on October 8, 1871, and quickly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions."
  • "Many buildings were made of wood, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly."
  • "The fire caused widespread panic and chaos as people tried to escape and save their belongings."
  • "More than 300 people died in the fire and thousands were left homeless."
  • "After the fire, the city of Chicago implemented new building codes and fire safety regulations to prevent future disasters."
  • "The Great Chicago Fire is an important event in American history and is remembered as a turning point for the city."
  • "The book 'I Survived the Great Chicago Fire 1871' tells the story of a young boy named Oscar who experiences the fire firsthand."
  • "The author of the book, Lauren Tarshis, researched the historical events and used real accounts to create a fictional story that helps us understand what it was like to live through the fire."
  • "Reading books like 'I Survived the Great Chicago Fire 1871' can help us learn about history in an engaging and exciting way."