I Survived Curriculum - Historical Stories of Survival Unit 3 Surviving The Civil War 1863 - Co-op/School License

Making history engaging for students is possibly one of the most difficult tasks for teachers.  How do we overcome that?  Two key things are critical for accomplishing this task.  First, it must be relatable in someway, and secondly, it needs to offer learning opportunities for multiple learning styles.  Historical Stories of Survival uses the New York Times best selling and popular I Survived book series.  This instantly makes history relatable, as the main characters are school age children and families.

Historical Stories of Survival uses multisensory learning, which follows a pattern of Do It, Write It, Say It, Read It, See It.  Multisensory learning is great for every kind of learner - because each learner gets to experience learning the way they are most comfortable - but they also have the opportunity to learn through other senses.  Studies and research have shown that learning material through multiple senses helps children to retain information better.

The experiences practiced in multisensory learning allow each student to participate in ways that help them understand and retain best.  Boys and girls learn together and help each other with projects such as making a diorama, making a Civil War drum, having discussions about the story, historical information, as well as positive character traits such as trust, endurance and compassion.  

Schooling multiple ages together, in a co-op setting for example, is very manageable.  And, with the continuity of the same subject matter for literature and history, as well as crafts and field trip experiences, opportunities for discussion are plentiful and help build a love of learning.

Field trips can include a local Civil War museum, local observatory, a local Underground Railroad museum.  This six week unit study using the book I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg is great for doing school in a large class setting,  or a smaller co-op environment.  Have a class survival party at the end of the unit!

This reader book for this unit follows a young runaway slave boy through trials and triumphs. He learns about himself, his fellow man - regardless of color and what it means to have compassion. 

Some examples of *crafts include; making an underground lantern, creating a diorama, making handmade paper and ink, painting, drawings and more.  Science project examples include a making a telescope, making a pinhole camer, stargazing and more. Each unit will include a suggested weekly schedule, list of required and suggested books, survival tips, craft resources, field trip ideas and suggestions, meal ideas, templates, a game, lapbook materials and other resources. 

**Crafts and science experiment supplies are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts and supplies to purchase are included.  Some units do include free craft templates.   Co-op/School License allows permission for the purchasing school allow as many teachers to teach this curriculum to as many groups and classes as they like.  There is no expiration.  The school may not make copies for parents, or other schools/co-ops.  The file remains the property of the purchasing school only.