Activity Overview
As students study the Emancipation Proclamation, they should understand the sequence of events that led to the creation of the document and the historical context in which it was created. Using a timeline layout, students will explain the events of the Civil War that led to the Proclamation. There are several events that students can include, from violent encounters throughout the war, or political steps taken by Lincoln and Congress, to other primary source documents. The completed project will also serve as a way for students to grasp on the historical events that led to this pivotal moment in the American Civil War.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline post-Emancipation Proclamation. Students should research what happened in response to the Emancipation Proclamation, both the positive and negative results. This will help students gauge the historical effects and events that result from this seminal document.
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 timeline that illustrates the major events leading to the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment"/
- In the title of each cell, note the major events leading up to and during the Emancipation Proclamation/
- In each description box, describe the event/
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items/
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
As students study the Emancipation Proclamation, they should understand the sequence of events that led to the creation of the document and the historical context in which it was created. Using a timeline layout, students will explain the events of the Civil War that led to the Proclamation. There are several events that students can include, from violent encounters throughout the war, or political steps taken by Lincoln and Congress, to other primary source documents. The completed project will also serve as a way for students to grasp on the historical events that led to this pivotal moment in the American Civil War.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline post-Emancipation Proclamation. Students should research what happened in response to the Emancipation Proclamation, both the positive and negative results. This will help students gauge the historical effects and events that result from this seminal document.
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 timeline that illustrates the major events leading to the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Click "Start Assignment"/
- In the title of each cell, note the major events leading up to and during the Emancipation Proclamation/
- In each description box, describe the event/
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items/
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Timeline Leading to the Emancipation Proclamation
How to Adapt Emancipation Proclamation Timelines for Younger Students
Modify instructions to fit your students’ reading and comprehension levels. Break down complex events into simpler language and offer examples to make them relatable.
Choose key events that are age-appropriate
Select 3–5 major events rather than an exhaustive list. Focus on big-picture moments that are easy for younger learners to understand, such as Lincoln’s election or the start of the Civil War.
Use visuals and storytelling to explain events
Provide pictures, drawings, and simple stories for each event on the timeline. Engage multiple senses to help students connect with the material in a memorable way.
Incorporate group or partner work
Encourage collaboration by having students work together on timelines. Peers can support each other’s learning and share different perspectives on the content.
Facilitate a class discussion or gallery walk
Host a gallery walk or class share-out where students present their timelines. Prompt questions to spark curiosity and deeper understanding of the Emancipation Proclamation’s significance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline Leading to the Emancipation Proclamation
What are the key events that led to the Emancipation Proclamation?
Key events leading to the Emancipation Proclamation include the outbreak of the Civil War, the First and Second Confiscation Acts, the actions of enslaved people escaping to Union lines, Lincoln's evolving policies, and significant battles like Antietam. These events created the context for President Lincoln to issue the Proclamation in 1863.
How can students create an effective timeline of the Emancipation Proclamation?
Students can create an effective timeline by identifying major Civil War events and political decisions leading to the Proclamation, summarizing each event with brief descriptions, and adding illustrations or visuals to enhance understanding. Using a poster or digital template makes the timeline engaging and clear.
Why is understanding the timeline of the Emancipation Proclamation important for students?
Understanding the timeline helps students see the complex causes and effects surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation, deepening their grasp of Civil War history and the significance of this transformative document in the fight for freedom and equality.
What happened after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued?
After the Emancipation Proclamation, many enslaved people sought freedom, the Union army accepted Black soldiers, and public attitudes toward slavery shifted. However, challenges and resistance persisted, making the years after 1863 crucial to understanding the document's impact.
What are some creative alternatives to a traditional timeline activity for teaching the Emancipation Proclamation?
Creative alternatives include making a timeline poster for presentations, organizing a gallery walk with student-created visuals, or using digital tools to build interactive timelines. These approaches help students engage deeply with historical events.
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