Activity Overview
The Emancipation Proclamation is perhaps one of the most important documents generated during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Examining this document will provide students significant insight into how Lincoln evolved as a president during the Civil War, how he operated politically, and how he conducted the war.
With this activity, students will use a grid storyboard to analyze the Proclamation as a primary source document. They will make inferences about Lincoln's presidency through direct quotes and examine the rationale and meaning behind excerpts of the document. Students may select their own excerpts, or the teacher can provide several options for them to analyze.
Extended Activity
Have students analyze and synthesize the words of "The Gettysburg Address". Students should again utilize the grid layout to relate direct quotes, comment on the quote, and put it into their own words. While short, "The Gettysburg Address" was a rallying cry at a crucial point in the Civil War, and is considered a seminal document today.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing excerpts of the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top row, type the direct quotes/excerpts you will be examining into the descriptions.
- In the bottom row, explain the meaning and rationale for the quotes/excerpts.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Emancipation Proclamation is perhaps one of the most important documents generated during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Examining this document will provide students significant insight into how Lincoln evolved as a president during the Civil War, how he operated politically, and how he conducted the war.
With this activity, students will use a grid storyboard to analyze the Proclamation as a primary source document. They will make inferences about Lincoln's presidency through direct quotes and examine the rationale and meaning behind excerpts of the document. Students may select their own excerpts, or the teacher can provide several options for them to analyze.
Extended Activity
Have students analyze and synthesize the words of "The Gettysburg Address". Students should again utilize the grid layout to relate direct quotes, comment on the quote, and put it into their own words. While short, "The Gettysburg Address" was a rallying cry at a crucial point in the Civil War, and is considered a seminal document today.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing excerpts of the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top row, type the direct quotes/excerpts you will be examining into the descriptions.
- In the bottom row, explain the meaning and rationale for the quotes/excerpts.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Emancipation Proclamation Document Analysis
Create a Civil War Context Timeline for Document Analysis
Build a simple timeline of key Civil War events alongside your document analysis to help students connect historical context with the Emancipation Proclamation. This supports deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Select pivotal events related to the Emancipation Proclamation
Choose 5–7 major Civil War milestones (e.g., Lincoln’s election, secession, major battles, issuing the Proclamation) that influenced or were influenced by the document. Briefly explain why each event matters.
Create a visual timeline in the classroom or digitally
Display the timeline on a whiteboard, bulletin board, or with an online tool. Encourage students to help build it by adding dates, short descriptions, and visuals for each event.
Link document excerpts to timeline events
Ask students to match quotes from the Emancipation Proclamation to relevant points on the timeline. Discuss how the events may have shaped Lincoln’s decisions and the document’s language.
Facilitate a reflection on historical impact
Invite students to share insights about how understanding the sequence of events deepens their analysis of the Proclamation. Highlight connections between past actions and primary source interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Emancipation Proclamation Document Analysis
What is the best way to teach the Emancipation Proclamation to high school students?
Using a grid storyboard is an effective way to teach the Emancipation Proclamation. Students analyze direct quotes, explain their meaning, and illustrate each excerpt, helping them engage with the document as a primary source and develop critical thinking skills.
How can students analyze the Emancipation Proclamation as a primary source?
Students should select key excerpts, record direct quotes, and use a grid storyboard to interpret the meaning and rationale behind each passage. Adding illustrations helps deepen understanding of historical context and Lincoln's presidency.
What are some engaging activities for teaching the Emancipation Proclamation in grades 9-12?
Activities include analyzing excerpts with a storyboard grid, making inferences about Lincoln’s leadership, and comparing the Emancipation Proclamation with the Gettysburg Address for synthesis and critical analysis.
How do you compare the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address in a lesson?
Use the same grid analysis method for both documents. Have students relate direct quotes, comment on their significance, and paraphrase in their own words, allowing them to identify themes and historical impact of both speeches.
Why is analyzing primary sources like the Emancipation Proclamation important for students?
Analyzing primary sources helps students develop critical thinking, understand historical context, and draw connections between events. It deepens appreciation for documents that shaped U.S. history, like the Emancipation Proclamation.
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