This unrivaled guide to hands-on American Civil War for kids was inspired by a personal story in my family. First, look at my page War Between the States Unit Study and Lapbook for more ideas.
This is a story I wanted told to my sons and passed on to their children.
It is a romantic and sad story told down through a few generations to us the grandchildren.
During the American Civil War, my great great grandfather fought for the Confederacy.
While it was going on, he left his close and dear dying friend to make a daring trip back home to my great great grandmother to let her know that her husband had died by his side.
American Civil War for Kids
Not only did he comfort my great grandmother in the years to follow, but he married her and had more children.
If he had not married her, my great grandmother would not have been born.
First, look at these books to add to your unit study.
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.
You can see a picture of my great great grandfather in our huge unit study and free lapbook that we did.
American Civil War for Kids Activities
Further, we are still talking a century and half later about the American Civil War and we are intrigued by it.
Because my kids were young, I focused more on how our family lived.
There is plenty of time as kids get older to talk about the ugly side of the war.
So, I prepared this American Civil War for kids guide.
Hands-on Activities for American Civil War for Kids Learning the Civil War
In addition, I know learning about tough subjects through fun hands-on activities makes history memorable.
Too, if a child finds history boring, learning about the life and times of a period approaches history through a different lens.
So today I am sharing fun hands-on activities because is the best way to make it personal to my children.
Civil War Food, Recipes, and Ideas
We started by learning about civil war food and recipes.
By cooking some of these recipes together, kids can understand how foods were preserved.
Also, foods were not readily available or in much variety at that time.
Crafts for American Civil War for Kids
Your kids will love making some of these recipes.
- Make fresh butter and hardtack.
- Authentic Civil War Gingerbread Recipe
- Civil War Cornbread
- American Civil War Story Recipes.
- Pumpkin Bread, Peas Pudding, Biscuits and more.
- Lincoln’s Corn Cakes a/k/a Hoe Cakes
- Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam
- Mason-Dixon Civil War Recipes. Recipes from both sides of the war.
- What Did the Civil War Soldiers Eat?
- Another Easy Hard Tack Recipe.
- Cooking During the Civil War. Food substitution, food storage and recipes.
Civil War Coloring Pages
Moreover, some kids love more gentle hands-on fun like coloring pages.
I like these coloring pages mostly because they’re free (ha ha), but also they can be used as covers for a notebook or to add to a timeline or lapbook.
- Abraham Lincoln
- A Soldier’s Life in the Civil War
- Over 20 coloring pages here: Confederate States, Jefferson Davis, Abraham Lincoln, and etc. Be sure to click BACK and Go to Next Page to get all of them.
- Super Coloring: Various coloring pages.
- Best Coloring Pages for Kids. More variety.
Abraham Lincoln Theme and American Civil War for Kids
Next, we studied about Abraham Lincoln and this theme is a great way to introduce how he lead the country through the American Civil War.
- Abraham Lincoln Mask
- President’s log cabin with pretzels and graham crackers
- Another Lincoln log cabin craft
- Make an Honest Abe Mask
- Write a letter to President Lincoln (inspired by an actual letter by an 8 year old)
- Battle at Fort Sumter
- First Battle of Bull Run
- HL Hunley (Civil War era sub)
Unit Study Themes for American Civil War for Kids
Underground Railroad and Civil War
In addition, you can’t talk about the American Civil War without mentioning Harriet Tubman or the underground railroad.
Too, I found that reading about Harriet Tubman was a gentle way to introduce my kids to the ugly issues of slavery and for them to try to put themselves into the shoes of others who were enslaved.
- Printable underground railroad quilt code game
- DIY Constellation Tubes – Follow the Drinking Gourd
- YouTube Music & Son – Follow the Drinking Gourd
Toys and Games During the American Civil War
Further, toys and games played were not only a way to have fun and entertain themselves, but some of the games were to teach kids about life skills like taking care of a house or even hunting.
Did I mention that these fun lessons for kids is a way for them to engage with history?
- Make Stilts
- Make a Dancing Button
- Look here at Homestead Toys for many more games that were played during the Civil War period. Many of these things can easily be made at home.
American Civil War for Kids Crafts
Then, I know that crafts help kids to share how their feeling through their creations.
So I’ve rounded up some easy hands-on ideas if your kids want to explore further.
Civil War Lapbooks, Minibooks and Notebooking
I am listing these lapbooks here because they help to stir the creative juice for things you may want to put in your lapbook or printables to make.
It’s the War Between the States unit.
- Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study
- Civil War Lapbook – Homeschool Share
- Civil War Lapbook and Notebooking Pages – Jimmie’s Collage
- Civil War Lapbook – Hebrews 1:10
- Civil War Lapbook Binder – Home is Cool 101
- American Civil War Slavery – from Practical Pages. Notebooking Page with two minibooks
Free Reading and Discussion Guides American Civil War for Kids
However, if your children are wanting to dive deeper into the topic of the American Civil war, I have some reading and printables below.
Again, it’s always up to you when you want to educate them regarding the ugly issues of the war.
Mary Pope Osborne’s – Magic Tree House No. 21 – Civil War on Sunday and No. 47. Abe Lincoln at Last. Click on book to get free lesson plans and guides.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin – Reading Guide
American Civil War for Kids Read Primary Resources and Letters of the Time
Too, civil war letters give a glimpse on how the soldiers felt when they were away from home.
Did I mention it gives your kids a fun lesson in putting their cursive reading skills to use?
- Civil War Love Letters
- Read the Gettysburg Address
- Letter from Civil War Soldier –
- More Civil War Music
Economic Effect of Civil War
Additionally, your child may be old enough to understand the economic effect of the Civil War on the states.
Doing a before and after worked with my kids. It was a great segue into understanding reconstruction.
5 Economic Lessons Learned from American History
American Civil War for Kids Period Clothing and Fashion
However, if you have kids that prefer learning about fashion than weapons or war, they’ll love some of these ideas on civil war fashion and clothing.
- You’ll love learning how to make Civil War Uniforms
- Make a Civil War “Housewife” (sewing kit)
Free Printables and Civil War Media Resources
Then, I love more free printables about American Civil War for kids because you never know which rabbit trails your kids may want to go down. Adding in media resources helps kids remember too.
- Civil War Crossword Puzzle
- More Civil War Crossword Puzzles
- Mr. Nussbaum Civil War Activities and Printables.
- 12 Important People of the Civil War Printable Cards
Civil War Soldier
The Underground Railroad – Escape from Slavery (With Free Teacher’s Guide, Activities and Resources)
Mission U.S. – Treasure trove. It’s 1848 and Lucy King is enslaved in Kentucky. Will she escape? Look at the Educator’s Section for Overview, Background, Activities and Resources for several free helpful downloads.
The Dred Scot Decision. Nice simple and short video explaining the Dred Scot decision to help explain one of the causes of the Civil War.
- B & O Railroad Museum – The War Came by Train. The Civil War was the first major conflict where railroads played a prominent role, and the B&O was the major line that straddled a divided country.
- American Civil War Video for Social Studies Fun With History – Many videos nicely done on a variety of subjects from the Clara Barton story, Naval Activity During the Civil War, Matthew Brady Civil War Photographer to Civil War Songs.
- Movies on Netflix – Ken Burns: The Civil War, Death and the Civil War, Gettysburg, Mystery Files: Abraham Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln, Secret Weapon of the Confederacy, CSA: Confederate States of America and Ken Burns: The Address
- Enjoy Civil War Experiences from Home. A nice roundup of virtual tours, online galleries, and interactive experiences.
- Free Civil War Worksheets
American Civil War for Kids Educator Guides and Lesson Plans
Lastly, you can’t plan a great unit study unless you have myriads of educator’s guides and lesson plans at your finger tips.
You’ll love these ideas and resources.
The Union Dissolved 88 page .pdf Teacher’s Guide – Nice!
Civil War 150 Educator’s Guide 17 page .pdf
Transcript Guide Death and the Civil War 41 page .pdf . Click on Menu for the drop down.
Ready to Go Lesson Plans National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Ambulances, Civil War Hospital, Triage and Amputation Lesson Plans.
Teacher’s Guide Civil War Medicine 8 page .pdf
Teacher’s Guide Lincoln the Constitution and the Civil War. 26 page .pdf Nice!
Dantes Prep The Civil War & Reconstruction – High School Advanced
To Kill and Heal Weapons and Medicine of the Civil War Teacher’s Guide. 48 page .pdf. Super helpful.
I hope you find something in this American Civil War for kids round up that will spark a love of this time period in your children.
How about you?
Do you have a personal family connection to the American Civil War or like my grandmother use to call it, The War Between the States?
What things have ya’ll done to study about it?