B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet

The Book:

Bauer, P. (2009). B is For Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet. Sleeping Bear Press.

Summary:

This is a very informative look at the civil war with little poems surrounding each letter of the alphabet and the civil war (interesting combination). The book presents multiple points of view, battles, historical details in an age appropriate way.

I think this is an awesome book to add a fare amount of information to the civil war unit in a fun and interesting way.

Lesson: Civil War A to Z

SC Social Studies Standard 3-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the events that led to the Civil War, the course of the War and Reconstruction, and South Carolina’s role in these events.

Indicators:

3-4.3 Explain the reasons for South Carolina’s secession from the Union, including the abolitionist movement, states’ rights, and the desire to defend South Carolina’s way of life. (H, P, E)
3-4.4 Outline the course of the Civil War and South Carolina’s role in significant events, including the Secession Convention, the firing on Fort Sumter, the Union blockade of Charleston, and Sherman’s march through South Carolina. (H, G)
3-4.5 Summarize the effects of the Civil War on the daily lives of people of different classes in South Carolina, including the lack of food, clothing, and living essentials and the continuing racial tensions. (H, E)

Objectives:

The Student will associate a civil war concept to each letter of the alphabet.

Assessment:

The student will be assessed by their filled out A to Z sheet.

Materials:

B is For Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet

Pre-made printed sheet with each letter and a writing line next to it.

Procedure:

1. TTW tell the class that they will be continuing to increase their knowledge of the civil war as well as review what they have already learned.

2. TTW read the B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet.

3. TTW introduce the A to Z activity. Working in groups the students will fill in a different civil war item, activity, battle, etc associated with that letter. They can feel free to get as creative as possible as long as they can explain the letter's association to the civil war.

4. After all groups have finished the class will share with each other letter by letter what they wrote.

5. This serves as a review as well as a formative assessment of what the students have been able to learn about the Civil War since they will be vocalizing and justifying each letter.