I have visual learners. They’re also kinetic learners they need something they can touch. There’s some lessons I do well with this, and others not so much.
The Civil War is playing nicely to their strengths.
We talked about the battle of Fort Sumter, which was a fairly anti-climatic battles itself for something that was the start of so many horrible things to come.
The metal tin represented the fort. Beige soldiers are Union army, and red is Confederate.
Confederate forces ordered the evacuation and abandonment of all Union forces in December of 1860. They expected Major Anderson to leave his command, instead he entrenched himself into the fort.
In March General Beauregard of the Confederate Army surrounded the Fort. The situation became more and more desperate for the small contingent. President Lincoln attempted to send reinforcements.
On April 4, 1861 the first shots of the civil war were fired, as the Confederates decided they had to take the fort before the Union reinforcements arrived.
On April 13, 1861 Major Anderson agreed to evacuate Fort Sumter under the gentle advice of a former Senator Louis Wigfall.
You have defended your flag nobly, Sir. You have done all that it is possible to do, and General Beauregard wants to stop this fight. On what terms, Major Anderson, will you evacuate this fort?
A great lesson that a gentle answer turns away wrath and can stop a battle before anyone dies.
Major Anderson’s one condition was a 100 gun salute to the United States flag, and he and his men were allowed to leave without any injuries or deaths.
The first battle of the Civil War ended with no casualties.
Linking up over at All Things Beautiful
My boys, as you know, love to do this, too. I sometimes as them to illustrate one part they liked best afterwards, and am surprised at the detail they include. Now that they are older, I will get them to add some copywork (like the quote you used) or a narration of their own at the top. It is much more effective than asking them to illustrate what they have learned without the battles being shown with figures.
I was actually just discussing this with my friend we do co-op with, and she was saying her kids were struggling to get the battles. I told her get some figures. They’re NECESSARY to understand the battles.
Your kids will probably actually remember some of this history – love how you visualize everything.
I’m hoping they do. From the discussion today at dinner after our latest battle, I think they will.
This is AWESOME!!!