This unit is designed to be used while reading this wonderful book by Richard Peck. The book explains the life of Howard's family, a little boy during the 1910's, and his journey to visit his grandparents. Howard's grandmother tells him a story about when she was younger, which is set during the American Civil War. Students are introduced to the book and the war through lessons which incorporate technology.
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Lesson 1
This lesson introduces students to the book and to the American Civil War. Included is a book talk that the teacher gives in order to gain interest from the students. Students then research the war and create a newspaper in small groups. The newspaper is set during the war.
This lesson should be taught before beginning the book.
Here is the assignment sheet for the newspaper.
Download the book talk here.
Lesson 2
During this lesson, students are introduced to the role of women during the Civil War. After gaining information, students create a PowerPoint about women's roles during the war.
This lesson is designed to be taught after reading chapter 5.
Lesson 3
Students are introduced to the riverboat and its effect on the life of people during the Civil War. Students write and perform an act for a showboat presentation.
This lesson is designed to be taught after reading chapter 8.
Lesson 4
This lesson allows students to be introduced to city of Cairo, Illinois and its significance during the Civil War. Students create a travel brochure about this city.
This lesson is designed to be taught after reading chapter 11.
The instructions for the travel brochure can be downloaded here.
Lesson 5
This culminating project allows students to demonstrate knowledge gained through various activities.
This lesson is designed to be used after completing the book.
Download the project assignment sheet here.
Here is the student self-evaluation sheets for the unit.
