Bundled Mini-Lesson: Lincoln at Gettysburg

Abraham Lincoln's address at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 is one of the most compelling speeches in American history. In the midst of a civil war that threatened to destroy the Union, Lincoln implored Northerners to honor those who had perished during the conflict by finishing the war and bringing true liberty and equality to all Americans.

This bundled resource includes the following:

• A PowerPoint that recounts the events of November 19 and highlights the main idea behind the Gettysburg Address. The PowerPoint includes teacher notes for each slide. The final slide of the presentation is a wonderful opportunity to show a clip from Ken Burns' series on the Civil War, during which Sam Waterston, as Lincoln, delivers the Gettysburg Address. The file has been saved in an Office 97-2003 format and uses a Calibri font -- this can be adjusted as needed.

• A copy of the speech itself and a series of questions based on the document. As such, it becomes an excellent close reading activity. An answer key is provided.

• A graphic organizer that divides the Gettysburg Address into sections that students can then paraphrase, either individually or in groups. Doing so makes the speech accessible to all learners. An answer key is provided.

• A series of two biographies on Abraham Lincoln that focus on his childhood and informal education in Kentucky, his early involvement in Illinois politics, his oppositions to the Mexican-American War, his 1858 Senate debates with Stephen Douglas, and the three speeches that defined his presidency: his first and second inaugural addresses and the Gettysburg Address.

Each biography includes a series of questions based on the reading.

In using this in my own class room, students are encouraged to:

1. Number the paragraphs

2. Read the biography

3. Highlight answers in the reading

4. Use complete sentences

5. Identify the paragraph where they find the answer

The answer key demonstrates these steps.  Academic and content vocabulary words and definitions are included.

For those seeking distance learning options, the biographies can easily be converted to digital activities using Google Slides.

Purchased separately, these resources would total $7.50; I am offering them as a bundle for $6, a savings of 20%. I am certain you will find them valuable additions to your curriculum.

Your feedback regarding this product is always appreciated. And feel free to browse my store for other products related to US History, World History, and Government.

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Should you have any questions, please email me at aroundtheworldteacher@gmail.com.