📖

Over There: American Doughboys

World War I and America on the World Stage

Day 83of 180
Week 17of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the experiences of American soldiers in World War I

2

Learn about trench warfare conditions

3

Develop empathy for soldiers' challenges

4

Recognize the sacrifices of military service

📖 Scripture Connection

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13 (WEB)

Demonstrates the ultimate sacrifice soldiers make for others, reflecting Christ's love

📦 Materials Needed

  • Primary source letters from WWI soldiers
  • Trench warfare diagram worksheet
  • Colored pencils
  • World War I map
  • Scissors
  • Glue
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic of American soldiers in World War I. Display a large map showing European battlefields.

💭 Review Question: What do you know about soldiers in World War I?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain the conditions of trench warfare, using primary source letters to bring personal stories to life. Discuss the challenges soldiers faced, including disease, cold, and constant danger.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Trench warfare was a new and brutal form of combat
  • American soldiers were called 'Doughboys'
  • Soldiers faced extreme hardships beyond fighting
  • Many young men were far from home and family
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might soldiers have felt being so far from home?
  • What would be the most difficult part of life in the trenches?
  • How can we show respect for soldiers who serve?
3Activity: A Soldier's Life Diagram (10 min)
worksheet

Students create a detailed diagram of trench life, incorporating information from primary sources and the lesson.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a cross-section of a trench
  2. Label different areas of trench life
  3. Include details about daily challenges
  4. Use primary source quotes to add authenticity
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Provide a partially completed worksheet with some elements pre-drawn

Challenge: Research and include additional historical details about specific battles

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on the sacrifices of soldiers and connect to the day's memory verse about love and sacrifice.

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was most surprising about soldiers' experiences?
  • How did American soldiers show courage?
  • What can we learn from their service?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, we thank you for the brave men and women who serve our country. Help us to appreciate their sacrifices and to show love and respect to those who protect others.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about how Americans at home supported the war effort

💎 Memory Verse

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Soldiers' Sacrifice Heart: Students cut out a heart and write the verse, discussing what sacrifice means

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

World War I introduced modern warfare with unprecedented challenges for soldiers

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language when discussing war
  • Focus on human experiences, not graphic details
  • Encourage empathy and respect
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find war concepts difficult to understand

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Compassionate responses and thoughtful questions about soldiers' experiences

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Write a letter from a soldier's perspective
  • Create a timeline of World War I events
  • Interview a veteran in the family about military service

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 84 →Back to History & Social Studies