Write Your Own Emancipation Proclamation
July 24, 2008
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
4th Grade
Social Studies
2 or 3 45-minute blocks
15 students
Background/Rationale
After discussing Lincoln and slavery, students will learn about the Emancipation Proclamation and what significance it had.
NYS Standards
NYS Social Studies #1: Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and New York.
NYS ELA #1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.
NYS ELA #3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.
Objectives
Students will demonstrate understanding of the Emancipation Proclamation by rewriting it in their own words.
Students will create their own version of the Emancipation Proclamation based on the topic of freeing themselves from homework.
Materials
Copy of the Emancipation Proclamation (one for each student)
Chart paper and markers
Paper and pencils
Interactive Notebook
Sources
Abraham Lincoln. 1863. “Emancipation Proclamation.”
Preparation of Learning Environment
Student will work as a whole class to “translate” the Emancipation Proclamation.” They will then work independently to write their own document.
Anticipatory Set
Lead the class in a discussion about what it means to be free.
Procedure
1) Hand out copies of the Emancipation Proclamation. Glue it in Interactive Notebook. Allow a few minutes for them to look over it.
2) As a class go through the document one line at a time and discuss its meaning. When all are agreed rewrite the sentence in their own words on chart paper. Students will copy it on the left side of their notebooks.
3) Students will then work independently to write an “Emancipation Proclamation from Homework.” They need to include 3 reasons why homework is not necessary or harmful.
4) Finished pieces will be displayed in hallway.
Modifications
Struggling students will be given the choice to work independently or work in a group with the teacher to write the homework piece.
Assessment
Interactive notebooks will be graded periodically throughout the quarter. The teacher will also conference with each student to go over the piece of writing and edit/correct mistakes.
