Civil War
Eyewitness Science Series
What’s inside...
Eyewitness: Civil War is part of DK's Eyewitness series, designed to engage readers and visual learners with a combination of photography, concise information, and annotated facts. The series has been revamped to emphasize images and include shorter texts and new learning sections, making it an ideal tool for children with a special interest in the Civil War or for those studying it in the classroom. It provides solid facts and encourages curiosity, helping to enhance classroom learning about this significant period in American history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
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James Rhodes (War Machine)
Spider-Man (peter Parker)
T’Challa (Black Panther)
Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier)
Tony Stark
Discussion points
What do you think were some of the main reasons that led to the Civil War?
How do you think the people felt during the Civil War? Can you relate to any of their emotions?
Why is it important to learn about the history of the Civil War? How does it impact us today?
What have you learned about the leaders and soldiers who participated in the Civil War?
If you were alive during the Civil War, what part do you think you would have played?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or a brief summary about the Civil War to gauge your child’s initial understanding and interest.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine living during the Civil War era, discussing daily life and challenges people faced.
Link discussions to current events or issues by comparing and contrasting them with historical events from the book, promoting critical thinking.
Praise your child’s responses and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage more interaction.
Conclude your discussion by asking your child how learning about the Civil War might influence their views on current societal issues or their behavior towards others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of understanding history
Explanation: John Stanchak's 'Civil War' delves into the intricate details of the American Civil War, offering young readers historical insights.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the significance of learning from past events to shape a better future, understanding the outcomes that historical decisions can lead to.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: The book covers diverse perspectives from different figures during the Civil War, illustrating the varied human experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider multiple sides of any story or conflict in their daily interactions, promoting empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: The value of unity and cooperation
Explanation: The narrative discusses how the union of states faced challenges and the importance of cooperation amidst adversity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of working together towards common goals, applicable in team sports, school projects, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Stanchak's depiction of the battles and struggles during the Civil War highlights the resilience of individuals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain resilient and steadfast in overcoming personal challenges, whether they're academic, social, or emotional.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and forming one's own opinion
Explanation: The book presents various political and moral dilemmas faced during the Civil War, encouraging readers to analyze and reflect.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop the skills to think critically about moral and ethical issues, fostering a sense of personal values and decision-making.