📖

President During Hard Times

Abraham Lincoln: Honest Abe

Day 34of 180
Week 7of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Learn about Lincoln's role as president during the Civil War

2

Understand how Lincoln worked to keep the country united

3

Recognize leadership as a way to serve others

Proverbs 16:12

It is an abomination for kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

Proverbs 16:12 (WEB)

Lincoln showed righteousness in leading the country during difficult times

📦 Materials Needed

  • United States map
  • Blue and gray paper
  • Picture of Lincoln
  • White poster board

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Show a picture of Lincoln and ask students what they know about him. Explain that today we'll learn about how he became president during a very difficult time in America.

💭 Review Question: What do you know about presidents?
2Teaching (10 min)

Lincoln became president when many states wanted to separate from the United States. He believed the country should stay together and work as one big family. Just like Jesus wants His church to be united, Lincoln wanted the states to be united.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Lincoln became president in 1861
  • The country was divided during the Civil War
  • He worked to keep everyone together
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why is it important to work together?
  • How can we help people get along?
3Activity: Unity Paper Chain (7 min)
hands-on

Create a paper chain representing how people can be connected and work together

📝 Instructions:
  1. Give each student blue or gray paper strips
  2. Help students connect their strips into a long chain
  3. Discuss how each link is important to keep the chain strong
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-cut paper strips for younger students

Challenge: Have students write ways to be kind on each chain link

4Closing (3 min)

Review what we learned about Lincoln keeping the country together

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did Lincoln do as president?
  • Why is it important to work together?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us to love others and work together like You want us to.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn how Lincoln helped free people

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Peacemaker Charades

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Lincoln led the country during the Civil War, working to keep the United States united

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use simple language about complex historical events
  • Emphasize themes of kindness and unity
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding complex historical concepts

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's ability to discuss working together

Extension Activities

  • Draw a picture of Lincoln
  • Read a children's book about Lincoln
  • Practice saying the Pledge of Allegiance

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 35Back to History & Social Studies