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We experienced Civil War in the graveyard by doing several hands-on activities, including searching for a gravestone of someone who lived during the time of the Civil War, doing a crayon rubbing of the gravestone, and reciting the Gettysburg Address. We are using All American History, Volume II this year for our American History studies, and searching for a headstone from the time of the Civil War was one activity mentioned in the book.
It was a sunny day in the autumn, and we were scattered around the graveyard, trying to find the oldest gravestones. I told my kids to look for actual headstones instead of the modern grave markers that were flat to the ground. Soon we found a gravestone of a man who lived during the time period of the Civil War.
I had someone hold the butcher paper while doing the crayon rubbing. We used dark-colored oil pastels, with the crayon on its side. Take a look at how we did this activity:
After finishing the crayon rubbing, one of my sons recited the Gettysburg Address while dressed up as Abraham Lincoln. You need a black top hat and a brown beard. You should also wear a suit and tie. The Gettysburg Address was delivered at a cemetery, making this activity appropriate for the graveyard.
We had a great time doing these fun activities to re-enforce the Civil War time period!
Tags: All American History: Vol. 2, American History, Bright Ideas Press, Civil War, history, Homeschooling
