1. Look up the words "civil war" in the dictionary. Write the meaning on a chart to be added to later.
2. Discuss "civil war" with the children. Why would two groups who started out as one have a civil war? Put the children's ideas on the board.
3. Read
The Civil War
, by Phillip Clark, pp. 4-9. Discuss the reasons stated for starting the war. Write them on the "civil war chart" on the board.
4. Read
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln
, by Jean Fritz, to the class. Children should review their knowledge of Abraham Lincoln through a discussion of this book.
5. Read the Gettysburg Address to the children; it can be found in many resources including
Just a Few Words, Mr. Lincoln
. Discuss how Lincoln describes the idea of a civil war and ask the children to paraphrase the important passages in the speech.