Lincoln Lesson Idea: Letters From the Heart

Abraham Lincoln

Level - Elementary

Subjects - Social Studies, History, Government, Geography, Language Arts, Writing

Objectives:
Students will analyze letters from soldiers of the Civil War and gain a deeper understanding of life in America during that time.

Activity:
Try The American Civil War Homepage to find a hotlist of links divided into logical categories. This site is updated frequently and includes everything from basic research to interactive videos to letters from a soldier in the Civil War. Share the letters from the soldiers with your students. Have students write fictitious letters (or blog entries) taking on the persona of a soldier. If you use a blog, be sure to allow them to comment to the entries as if they were someone from home reading a loved one's blog.

Tips:
Since this site offers such an abundance of links. Take a few minutes BEFORE you are ready to use the site to find the link to the letters from soldiers.

Web Resources

Home of the American Civil War Read the TeachersFirst review

Return to Lincoln Lesson Idea listings