Reconstruction - 3 Plans
Students will research the 3 plans during Reconstruction (Lincoln, Johnson, Congress) and decide which plan they would use and why.
Lesson Created By: Raney Stogner
Grade(s):
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Laptop to play song
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Paragraphs, charts, notebooks, lyrics to song, Social Studies Textbook
Lesson Progression
Begin by linking prior knowledge to what the students may already know about the Civil War and Reconstruction. Start by listening and singing the Reconstruction Rock. The students love these songs and videos and it is a quick and easy way to get them thinking about Reconstruction again. When the song is over, ask the questions:
What impact did the Civil War have on the United States?
Why did our political leaders think we needed a plan to heal our country?
Which three groups created plans during Reconstruction?
Call on students who have their hands raised. More than one student may be called on for some questions.
(optional) Direct the students’ attention to the standard on the board and remind them what they will be going over for the day.
After watching and reviewing the song, begin the lesson.
- Pass out charts and The Aims of Reconstruction worksheets.
- Explain to students how they will be completing the chart:
“Please read the information given in the worksheet and use the chart and/or your book to organize the main points of the Presidents’ plan an Congress’ plan.”
- Allow students to use their Social Studies book if needed.Once students seem to be finishing writing down key points, give them their next task.
- Instruct them to write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) stating which plan they would have chosen and why.
- Say, “What plan would you have chosen to heal the country most effectively after the war? What evidence in the text supports your point of view?”
- Instruct students to begin working.
- When they are finished writing, begin the sharing process.
- Have students get up and split into three groups (Lincoln, Johnson, and Congress) depending on which plan they chose to write about.
- Have students discuss with one another why they chose that plan versus the other two.
- Instruct the students to go around the room and find someone who has a different perspective as them and discuss their opinions with one another.
Students will return to their seat for final discussion.
When students have returned to their seats, have a “Think, Pair, Share” discussion. Give students about 30 seconds to a minute to think about something they learned today, then have them turn and talk with their partner and then call on people to tell me what they learned and/or what their partner learned.