Lincoln’s Letters Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will examine Abraham Lincoln’s strategy for staying calm.

 

Social Studies Focus:

Presidents' Day

 

SEL Focus:

self-awareness/self-management

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, text features

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

furious, suggested, necessary

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.5 use text features; RI.2.10 read informational texts; W.2.8 recall experiences to write; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

Guided Reading Level: 

M

 

Lexile Level:

520L

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Provide students with some background on Abraham Lincoln.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "The Life of Abraham Lincoln.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following questions:

  • What is one thing you learned about Abraham Lincoln?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are furious, suggested, and necessary.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Ask students if they have ever written a letter. What are different reasons for writing a letter?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about why Lincoln never sent his ‘hot’ letters.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

  • Students will practice capitalization skills while helping Abraham Lincoln make it to the White House with this fun “All Aboard, Abe!” game.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important SEL and ELA skills. Here’s how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words furious, suggested, and necessary.

Editor’s Pick: Self-Management/Writing (15 min.)

  • The What Calms You Down? skill sheet provides students the opportunity to identify and illustrate strategies that help them calm down.

ELA Focus: Text Features (15 min.)

  • Students will revisit the article and examine its features with the Text- Feature Hunt skill sheet.

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on Abraham Lincoln:

  • “All Aboard, Abe!,” February 2021. This issue explores Abraham Lincoln’s journey to the White House.
  • "Lincoln’s Beard,” February 2019. Discover the reason for Abraham Lincoln’s famous beard with this issue.

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher-Lexile level: 600L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 440L