Kids love spending a day with Abe Lincoln! It sparks their interest in his life and legacy
Igniting an Appreciation for Abraham Lincoln in Children
Historians and the general public regularly rank Abraham Lincoln as America’s greatest president. There is little doubt that he is widely admired for the work he did to end slavery and preserve the Union.
But beyond these two important points, most Americans know little else about Lincoln’s life. A 2013 poll by Participant found that two-thirds of Americans admitted to knowing “little to nothing” about him. Eighty-three percent of respondents thought that the Emancipation Proclamation freed all the slaves in the United States. (It only freed the slaves in areas under Confederate control.) Another 40 percent believed that Lincoln was a Democrat. (Google only confuses matters when it lists his party affiliation as “National Union Party,” which was a temporary rebranding of the Republican Party during the 1864 presidential election.) In fact, Lincoln was the first Republican to be elected president.
Teaching Lincoln’s Legacy
As a professor of American Studies at Christopher Newport University, I spend a great deal of time teaching my students about Abraham Lincoln. I require them to read Lincoln’s speeches and letters in the hope that they will come to appreciate the greatness of his mind, the political constraints in which he operated, and the moral compass that led him to fight for the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Each summer I also teach these sorts of lessons to groups of high school teachers around the country. I find that teachers are eager to better understand Lincoln’s life and legacy and to find new ways to convey that information in their classrooms.
In addition to teaching about Lincoln, over the past 15 years, I’ve published many books about Lincoln and the Civil War Era. In the past 11 years, I’ve also had two beautiful daughters. At night I often find myself reading or telling bedtime stories — sometimes about history, but more often about the antics of talking animals.
Recently, I decided to bring these two aspects of my life together by working with my girls to write a fun and exciting children’s book that melds history and adventure into an educational but lively chapter book for early readers.
My Day with Abe Lincoln
My Day with Abe Lincoln tells the story of a third grader named Lucy who doesn’t want to go to school on Monday morning. (For parents of young children this might sound all too familiar!) She throws a fit and dresses in the craziest outfit she can come up with, hoping her parents won’t send her to school looking so weird.
When she puts on the top hat from her brother’s magic set, she travels back in time to Indiana in the 1820s. She doesn’t know it yet, but her mission in the story is to give the hat to Lincoln. After meeting Abe and his sister Sarah on a dirt path in the woods, Lucy attends school with them. At the end of the day, she goes to the Lincoln cabin where she meets Abe’s father and stepmom. Along the way, Lucy learns extraordinary, fascinating, true stories about the future president — like that he struggled with spelling and that he almost died several times when he was a child.
By the time young readers finish My Day with Abe Lincoln, they will know more about Lincoln’s childhood than most adults do. Children will also hopefully feel a connection to Lincoln as they see the hurdles he had to overcome to become our nation’s greatest leader.
I spent years researching the history behind this time-travel adventure, and I like to tell people that My Day with Abe Lincoln is historically accurate, except for the time travel! Parents and teachers who want to read this book with their children or students can find a free curriculum guide on the Reedy Press website that gives the history behind each chapter. The guide also provides primary sources and discussion questions that can be used in class.
Appreciating Lincoln’s Accomplishments
As we celebrate the 215th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, I hope we can reignite a sense of wonder about him in young Americans. They ought to know the story of the little boy who grew up in poverty and rural isolation — without education, who lost his mother at age nine, and who almost died several times — and yet who became the most admired and revered of Americans. We owe it to him, and to ourselves, to better understand his life and legacy so that we can truly appreciate his accomplishments as president.
This article was originally published by RealClearEducation and made available via RealClearWire.
How does “My Day with Abe Lincoln” make history come alive through storytelling?
E stories about Lincoln’s childhood, his love for reading and learning, and his perseverance in the face of challenges.
The book is full of historical facts and details, but it is also a captivating adventure that children will enjoy. It aims to not only educate young readers about Abraham Lincoln but also to ignite an appreciation for his life and legacy. By making history come alive through storytelling, children can develop a connection to the past and understand the impact that individuals like Lincoln can have on society.
Engaging Children with History
Igniting an appreciation for Abraham Lincoln in children is important for several reasons. Firstly, understanding history fosters critical thinking and empathy. By learning about the past, children can analyze events and develop a greater understanding of human motivations and societal dynamics. Secondly, studying the life of Abraham Lincoln can serve as a role model for children. His commitment to justice, equality, and freedom can inspire young minds to stand up for what is right and make a positive difference in the world.
Additionally, introducing children to historical figures like Lincoln at an early age can spark their curiosity and passion for learning. History is not just a collection of dates and facts; it is a story of people, their experiences, and the lessons we can learn from them. By making history engaging and relatable, children can develop a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Incorporating history into children’s literature is an effective way to make the subject accessible and interesting. By integrating adventure and imagination into stories, young readers can discover the wonders of the past while enjoying a thrilling narrative. Books like My Day with Abe Lincoln aim to bridge the gap between historical education and entertainment, creating a positive and enjoyable learning experience for children.
Building a Future of Informed Citizens
As adults, it is our responsibility to foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for history in children. By exposing them to figures like Abraham Lincoln, we equip them with knowledge and understanding that can shape their views of the world. An informed citizenry is crucial for a thriving society, and teaching children about the influential individuals who shaped our nation is a fundamental step in that direction.
Igniting an appreciation for Abraham Lincoln in children is not only about honoring his legacy but also about instilling values and principles that can guide future generations. By sharing his story in engaging and relatable ways, we can inspire children to become active participants in shaping a just and inclusive society.
So, whether it’s through books, storytelling, or interactive activities, let us make an effort to ignite an appreciation for Abraham Lincoln in the hearts of our children. Let us strive to create a generation that recognizes the importance of history, values the sacrifices made by great individuals like Lincoln, and learns from the lessons of the past to build a brighter future.
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