Activity Overview
In order to help students better understand the language and arguments made in the Emancipation Proclamation, they should analyze select quotes or excerpts from the document. In this activity, students will use a spider map to detail and explain four or more excerpts directly from the Emancipation Proclamation. Students will explain and analyze each excerpt from the document and create a visual interpretation. This ensures students read the document verbatim and put the document's words into their own language. It's a great way for you to see how well students are comprehending historical documents.
Students may also choose to use different layouts for their excerpt analysis - the grid or chart layouts are also well suited to this assignment!
Extended Activity
Have students complete the same task for Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech. Ask students to make connections including comparisons of both similarities and differences. Students can connect and analyze excerpts from both documents on a T-Chart storyboard, allowing them to compare and analyze excerpts from two primary sources.
Excerpt Analysis: The Emancipation Proclamation Text
Quote
"...all persons held as slaves within any State ...the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
Meaning
This quotes the section of the document proclaiming that all slaves that exist in rebellious parts of the nation shall, from this day forward, be considered free peoples.
"...and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three."
This quote signifies that Lincoln is also issuing the Emancipation Proclamation as a war measure, and therefore, we can consider it a war tactic.
"...and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places..."
This quote means that all freed persons who are able will be accepted into the Union military. They will man and operate any and every aspect of military duty.
"...and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons."
This quote means that the Union military will maintain and carry out the orders within the Emancipation Proclamation. Namely, the honoring the freeing of slaves in rebellious areas.
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 interpreting and visualizing excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, type in the direct quote.
- In the description, type your interpretation of the quote.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In order to help students better understand the language and arguments made in the Emancipation Proclamation, they should analyze select quotes or excerpts from the document. In this activity, students will use a spider map to detail and explain four or more excerpts directly from the Emancipation Proclamation. Students will explain and analyze each excerpt from the document and create a visual interpretation. This ensures students read the document verbatim and put the document's words into their own language. It's a great way for you to see how well students are comprehending historical documents.
Students may also choose to use different layouts for their excerpt analysis - the grid or chart layouts are also well suited to this assignment!
Extended Activity
Have students complete the same task for Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech. Ask students to make connections including comparisons of both similarities and differences. Students can connect and analyze excerpts from both documents on a T-Chart storyboard, allowing them to compare and analyze excerpts from two primary sources.
Excerpt Analysis: The Emancipation Proclamation Text
Quote
"...all persons held as slaves within any State ...the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."
Meaning
This quotes the section of the document proclaiming that all slaves that exist in rebellious parts of the nation shall, from this day forward, be considered free peoples.
"...and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three."
This quote signifies that Lincoln is also issuing the Emancipation Proclamation as a war measure, and therefore, we can consider it a war tactic.
"...and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places..."
This quote means that all freed persons who are able will be accepted into the Union military. They will man and operate any and every aspect of military duty.
"...and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons."
This quote means that the Union military will maintain and carry out the orders within the Emancipation Proclamation. Namely, the honoring the freeing of slaves in rebellious areas.
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 interpreting and visualizing excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, type in the direct quote.
- In the description, type your interpretation of the quote.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Excerpt Analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation
How to Scaffold Primary Source Excerpt Analysis for Younger Students
Adapt the excerpt analysis activity for grades 2–8 by selecting shorter, accessible quotes and providing clear context. This helps students engage with complex historical texts at their reading level.
Model close reading with a think-aloud
Read a short excerpt aloud and verbalize your thought process as you break down the language and meaning. Demonstrating this strategy shows students how to approach challenging text step-by-step.
Use sentence starters for paraphrasing
Provide sentence frames like “This means that…” or “In other words…” to help students restate the excerpt in their own words. These supports encourage confidence and clarity in understanding.
Create illustrations together as a class
Collaborate on drawing or using digital tools to visualize the meaning of each excerpt. Shared visuals make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable for younger learners.
Facilitate small group discussions
Organize students into small groups to share paraphrases and illustrations. Peer discussion deepens understanding and allows students to learn from one another’s perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Excerpt Analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation
What is an excerpt analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation?
An excerpt analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation involves selecting key quotes from the document, interpreting their meaning in your own words, and visually representing the ideas. This helps students deeply understand the language and intent of the proclamation.
How can I teach students to analyze primary source excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation?
To teach students excerpt analysis, have them choose several quotes from the Emancipation Proclamation, explain their meaning, and illustrate their understanding using visual tools like spider maps, grids, or charts. Encourage students to paraphrase and connect each excerpt to its historical context.
What is a spider map and how do you use it for document analysis in history class?
A spider map is a graphic organizer with a central idea and branches for related details. For history document analysis, place the excerpt in the center and use branches for interpretation, explanation, and visual representation, helping students break down complex texts.
What are some effective layouts for analyzing excerpts from historical documents?
Effective layouts for analyzing historical documents include spider maps, grids, and charts. These formats help students organize quotes, interpretations, and visuals, making it easier to compare and understand key ideas from primary sources.
How do you compare excerpts from the Emancipation Proclamation and the 'I Have a Dream' speech in class?
To compare excerpts, have students select quotes from both documents and organize them on a T-Chart storyboard. They should analyze similarities and differences in language, purpose, and impact, fostering deeper connections between two pivotal primary sources.
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Emancipation Proclamation
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