Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Alabama and the Civil War- Part Three

Subject Area

English Language Arts
Social Studies

Grade(s)

4

Overview

In this lesson, students will share their research with others on the places, events, concepts, and ideas of the Civil War. Students will be able to share their previously created Civil War books (see Alabama and the Civil War- Part Two) to help explain their research on the Civil War. 

Students will also utilize 4th-grade ELA standards to participate in an active listening activity while listening to others share their research with the class.

This resource was created in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 4

    SS10.4.8

    Explain Alabama’s economic and military role during the Civil War.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.4.8

    Vocabulary

    • textiles
    • munitions
    • armament
    • casualties
    • infrastructure
    • economics

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Alabama made important economic contributions to the Civil War including production of iron products, munitions, textiles, and ships.
    • Alabama made important military contributions to the Civil War including provision of military supplies through the Port of Mobile and provision of an armament center at Selma.
    • Women made significant contributions to the war on the home front and on the battlefield.
    • There were several important military leaders of the Civil War.
    • The destruction of the transportation infrastructure, and high casualty rates during the Civil War caused Alabama's economic structure to collapse.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Analyze the significance of Alabama's economic and military role during the Civil War including the production of iron products, munitions, textiles, and ships, providing military supplies through the Port of Mobile, and providing an armament center at Selma.
    • Recognizing military leaders from Alabama during the Civil War.
    • Compare and contrast the roles of women on the home front and the battlefront during and after the Civil War.
    • Analyze how the collapse of the economic structure, destruction of the transportation infrastructure, and high casualty rates impacted Alabama's economic condition after the Civil War.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Alabama played a significant role in the South's effort during the Civil War.
    • The war caused catastrophic destruction in the South which devastated Alabama's economy.
    Alternate Achievement Standard - Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 4

    AAS.SS10.4.8

    Identify the reasons for the Civil War and recognize the consequences of conflict within Alabama.

    English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 4

    ELA21.4.R1

    Utilize active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings, following agreed-upon rules for participation.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:ELA21.4.R1

    Vocabulary

    • Active listening
    • Discussion
    • Conversation
    • Rules
    • Participation

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Active listening skills.
    • How to engage in discussions and conversations in a variety of settings.
    • Agreed-upon rules for participation.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Demonstrate active listening skills during discussion and conversation in pairs, small groups, or whole-class settings.
    • Converse in pairs, small groups, and large groups.
    • Practice the agreed-upon rules for participation.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Conversations and discussions follow agreed-upon rules which help us actively listen and gain understanding.

    Phase

    After/Explain/Elaborate
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will listen to other students present their research on the Civil War by engaging in active listening (and using a listening guide to show understanding).

    Students will present their Civil War findings from the previous activity (see Alabama and the Civil War- Part Two). These findings include several key details about Alabama and the Civil War, including sharing key places, people, and events related to the Civil War and the South/Alabama. 

    Activity Details

    1) Students will need to complete their Civil War ABC books from the previous activity (using Google Slides, Powerpoint, or paper).

    2) Students will need a copy of the Civil War listening guide (see link above).

    3) The teacher will determine in which order students will present. Students will need to show active listening skills by completing their listening guide as other students present. 

    4) Students presenting their ABC book should demonstrate knowledge of the content of the social studies standard, while students who are listening to the presentation should demonstrate proficiency in speaking and listening skills identified in the ELA standard.

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The teacher can formally or informally assess students on their listening skills by using the Civil War listening guide (see above.)

    The teacher will also informally assess students for understanding of key concepts, ideas, people, and places of the Civil War by reviewing their Civil War ABC books. 

    Acceleration

    ~Extension Activity- instead of working individually, students can work in partners to complete their ABC books, and use their information to coordinate with each other's findings. For example, student A can report about General Robert E. Lee, and Student B. can discuss General Ulysses S. Grant. 

    Intervention

    ~Tier II students can share their Civil War ABC Book with one partner, rather than present to the whole class. 

    Variation Tips

     

     

    Approximate Duration

    Total Duration

    31 to 45 Minutes

    Related Learning Activities

    Learning Activity (Before)

    Learning Activity (During)

    Learning Activity (After)

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    ~Students will need to complete Civil War ABC books (see associated during activity).

    ~Students will need a copy of the listening guide- see above. 

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO