A fantastic way to learn about the Civil War for elementary students is through engaging hands-on activities that bring the topic to life. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.
Too, look at my page War Between the States Unit Study and Lapbook for more ideas. While there are many facts to learn about the Civil War they don’t have to be learned through rigorous textbooks (at least not all of them).

If the Civil War is a topic you want to tackle this year let’s look at some great ways to keep it interesting while teaching solid information.
I have loaded up on facts, activities, resources, and even an easy diorama about the civil war to keep it fun and memorable for both you and your child.
After doing some reading about the Civil War and some of the battles, your learner can use their imagination to create a scene right in the middle of a battlefield as you learn about this pivotal time in history.
Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS
- Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
- How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
- 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
- Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
- Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
- Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
- Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
- Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
- Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
- Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
- How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
- Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR BOOKS FOR KIDS
Next, I’ve rounded up some resources to learn about the Civil War.
23 American Civil War Books and Resources
Your kids will love these resources and hands-on to learn about the American Civil War.
In 1861, America is on the cusp of war, and young Jethro Creighton is just nine-years-old. His brother, Tom, and his cousin, Eb, are both of fighting age. As Jethro's family is pulled into the conflict between the North and the South, loyalties are divided, dreams are threatened, and their bonds are put to the test in this heart-wrenching, coming of age story.
History comes alive for kids like no textbook can in this epic account of the American Civil War that's perfect for history buffs and reluctant readers!From courageous cavalry rides deep into enemy territory to harrowing covert missions undertaken by spies and soldiers, the events of the American Civil War were filled with daring figures and amazing feats. This exhilarating overview covers the biggest battles as well as captivating lesser-known moments to entertain kids with unbelievable (and totally true) tales of one of America's most fascinating conflicts.History buff, Civil War reenactor, and popular blogger Ben Thompson uses his extensive knowledge and vivid storytelling style to bring the Civil War to life in this first book in a thrilling new series featuring incredible people, events, and civilizations. Get ready to learn just how awesome history can be!
Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?
Canadian-born Emma Edmonds loved the thrill of adventure and chasing freedom, so in 1861 when the Civil War began, she enlisted in the Union Army. With cropped hair and men’s clothing, Emma
transformed herself into a peddler, slave, bookkeeper and more, seamlessly gathering information and safely escaping each time. This fictionalized biography about the daring exploits of a cunning
master of disguise, risking discovery and death for the sake of freedom, will inspire readers for generations to come.
Occasion: Perfect for Cosplay, Fancy Dress party, Carnival, Sport,
Club, Stage performance, Theme party, photograph, Role play,etc.
Earnest, plain-spoken sixteen-year-old Jeff Bussey has finally gotten his father’s consent to join the Union volunteers. It’s 1861 in Linn County, Kansas, and Jeff is eager to fight for the North before the war is over, which he’s sure will be soon.
But weeks turn to months, the marches through fields and woods prove endless, hunger and exhaustion seem to take up permanent residence in Jeff’s bones, and he learns what it really means to fight in battle—and to lose friends. When he finds himself among enemy troops, he’ll have to put this life on the line to advance the Union cause.
Thoroughly researched and based on firsthand accounts, Rifles for Watie “should hold a place with the best Civil War fiction for young people” (The Horn Book).
A strong choice for independent reading and for sharing in a classroom and for homeschooling. As a homeschool cooperative teacher commented: "The book has launched many discussions in our class. When a person is on one side of a conflict, it is important to remember that people on the other side are also people. Jeff is a perfect model for how treating people with respect can happen even in war."
In this brilliant fictional tour de force, which the New York Times called "a deft, poignant novel," Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman re-creates the first great battle of the Civil War from the points of view of sixteen participants.
Northern and Southern, male and female, white and black. Here are voices that tell of the dreams of glory, the grim reality, the hopes, horror, and folly of a nation discovering the true nature of war.
Willie might be too young to be a fighter, but he's brave enough to be a drummer.Ten-year-old Willie Johnston is too young to be a soldier in Mr. Lincoln's army. So he joins as a drummer boy, instead. Part of Willie's job is rousing the troops in the morning with his drum—the other part is being the last to retreat in battles. In this true story, Willie shows he's brave enough to keep beating his drum, but will he be lucky enough to survive the war?"Scrupulously researched and overflowing with evocative detail . . . Willie's tale is authentic and engaging."—Kirkus Reviews
A fictionalized biography of Anna Blair Ethridge, a Union Army nurse.
Very popular among reenactors, this book explains what was worn, by whom, and in what combinations. With more than 300 photographs, it provides invaluable information on the dress styles and designs of women's clothing in the 19th century. It also includes descriptions of accessories and construction tips for those involved with reenactments and living history. Now in use extensively in the Hollywood film industry.
Unforgettable History! Great Battles for Boys is the bestselling history series that sends young readers “into the fight.” Boys learn about the military leaders, weapons, and strategies that won—or lost—history's most important military battles.
Twelve-year-old Will wants to be a drummer in the Union army, but he's stuck far from the fighting in his sleepy hometown of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then the Union and Confederate armies meet in Gettysburg, and Will and his family are caught up in the ferocious fighting. From delivering important messages and helping captured slaves escape Confederate soldiers to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a journey through one of the Civil War's most significant battles. And when the fighting is finally over, Will witnesses President Lincoln deliver his famous Gettysburg Address, and he knows firsthand the truth behind his words.
The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven’t ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire
immediate family? And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will’s uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy. At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor—or at least a coward. But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man. And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage.
Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.
This first volume of Shelby Foote's classic narrative of the Civil War opens with Jefferson Davis’s farewell to the United Senate and ends on the bloody battlefields of Antietam and Perryville, as the full, horrible scope of America’s great war becomes clear. Exhaustively researched and masterfully written, Foote’s epic account of the Civil War unfolds like a classic novel.
The Civil War had a profound effect on American history. Your students will acquire an understanding of this period of U.S. history as they complete the many engaging and informative projects in The American Civil War. You get information pages, maps, a timeline, arts and crafts projects, reading and writing connections, and evaluation forms. The teacher pages feature step-by-step project directions and photographs of the completed projects.
Each of the pockets contains:
- a reproducible pocket label
- dictionary words and pictures
- a fact sheet of background information for the teacher
- a reproducible students information booklet complete with illustrations
- arts and crafts projects
- a timeline and maps
- reading and writing activities
History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at
Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nation’s history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops, and friendships between enemies.
Cannon fire! That's what Jack and Annie hear when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of the American Civil War. There they meet a famous nurse named Clara Barton and do their best to help wounded soldiers. It is their hardest journey in time yet—and the one that will make the most difference to their own lives!
The stars of the Big Dipper have led a runaway slave family to Deacon Fuller's house, a stop on the Underground Railroad. Will Tommy Fuller be able to hide the runaways from a search party—or will the secret passengers be discovered and their hope for freedom destroyed?
This simple, unvarnished account recalls the courageous life of Harriet Tubman, one of the best-known “conductors” on the Underground Railroad. First published in 1869 and privately printed to raise funds for “the Moses of her people,” Sarah Bradford’s memorable biography recalls the former
slave’s grim childhood; her perilous experiences leading slaves into Canada; her efforts as a Civil War nurse, cook, and scout for the Union Army; and her post-conflict endeavors to aid and educate former slaves.
Finally, look at how to make this American Civil War diorama.
Besides. making a diorama doesn’t just look cool, it actually helps you remember what you learned better.

When you make a diorama, you’re not just reading but you’re imagining what the scenes will look like.
EASY DIORAMA ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR
You will need:
- Cardboard
- Craft paints
- Moss
- School glue
- Civil war figures

You can use a box top with sides but the openness of just a big square of cardboard seems appropriate for a scene out in the middle of nowhere.
Draw out the main features you would like to have like sand, grass, water, buildings, walls, etc… with a pencil.
Think about what features would have been important during a battle- water for drinking, a bridge to get people and supplies over, trees and rock walls for cover, and things like that.

Brush a generous amount of glue onto whatever area you are working on and press in sand, moss for grass, small pebbles or whatever material you like to cover, you can add additional glue and layers as needed.

For water mix a bit of blue paint in your school glue and brush

Use cardboard or make a simple footbridge out of sticks to create a bridge over the water.
Add your figures and any final details, a sticky playdough or something similar can hold your figures in place well without leaving permanent thick glue residue like hot glue would.
Create trees by hot gluing sticks to the base with moss or small leaves attached for greenery.

Allow everything to dry well overnight.
