Clara Barton: Pillar of Character
Jennifer Tjaden
Hawley Elementary
Grades 4-8 (Can be adapted)
Pinterest Board:
https://www.pinterest.com/jentjaden/clara-barton/
Our school focuses on the 6 Pillars of Character and so I plan on using many important people throughout history to teach about these traits. One of the first lessons that I have will revolve around Clara Barton.
*New vocabulary(or relatively new) to this lesson will be primary sources, secondary sources, and legacy.
Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to take a historical figure and analyze what important character traits led them to the roles they played in our American History. In this lesson, they will learn about the impact that Abraham Lincoln had on Clara Barton by appointing her to the Missing Soldiers Office. They will also learn a small part in how her role helped to change how we identify the men and women who serve in wars and how their burial is affected by her actions during the Civil War.
Common Core ELA Standards- Grade 5
Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
Materials:
Pencil, paper
Student in groups
Handouts: 6 Pillars of Character (2 sheets)
Pillar of Character Guide- Worksheet
American Red Cross Swimming Card
Slide Show/Computer
Clara Barton Timeline
https://www.nps.gov/clba/learn/kidsyouth/chron2.htm
Option for independent online study
Lesson:
Use Slideshow as a guide…
Slide 2: American Red Cross Card
Show American Red Cross Swimming Lesson Card. Does anyone else have one of these cards? Where else have you heard of the organization “American Red Cross”?
Slide 3: Clara Barton Picture
During class today, you are going to learn about a person whose Legacy can be felt today-Clara Barton.
Brainstorm as a class anything that they know to be added to our classroom web on the board.
Slide 4: Missing Soldiers Sign
“In March 1865 Clara Barton was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to "search for missing prisoners of war," helping soldiers separated from the units reunite with those units or their families and helping families learn the fate of missing soldiers during the Civil War. The question we are going to be answering today is why do you think President Lincoln Appointed her? From the 6 Character Traits that we have been studying, which ones do you think that qualified her for that position?"
Slide 5:
Focus of our lesson: Why do you think President Lincoln Appointed her for this job? From the 6 Character Traits that we have been studying, which ones do you think that qualified her for that position?
Slide 6: Investigate and Analyze
“First we are going to take a trip...via video to the place Clara worked in DC and learn more about her. As you watch the video, jot down at least two new things that you have learned about her to add to our web. Video from C SPAN- embedded in slideshow.” 5 minutes to add to the web of what we know about Clara Barton.
Slide 7 & 8: Facts about the Civil War soldiers and her role
Slide 9: Again… discuss if they have any ideas
Focus of our lesson: Why do you think President Lincoln Appointed her for this job? From the 6 Character Traits that we have been studying, which ones do you think that qualified her for that position?
You will have the chance to answer that in just a bit…
Slide 10: Review of Character Traits
Slide 11: Group Work & Assignment.
Slide 12: American Red Cross Video
Show next day after students share their paragraphs in group & turn in.
Evaluation: Group Work on Worksheet as well as the paragraph to share in class.