In eighth grade history students are evaluating historical texts to gain better understanding of the period that lead up to the Civil War. Students are doing close readings of writing by Frederick Douglass, Clara Barton, Sojourner Truth, along with the “The Gettysburg Address”, Robert E. Lee’s Farewell, and the poem “O Captain My Captain.” By evaluating, summarizing, and memorizing these texts students are getting a closer understanding of the transformational themes of freedom, justice, and unity that were addressed during the country’s struggle to remain intact and whole in times of unprecidented division. Students will perform the speeches in class, for their teacher privately, or for high school students.
Close Readings
