Lesson Title: The Freedmen’s Bureau: A New Beginning

Grade Level: 5th Grade

Lesson Duration: 2-3 class periods

Objectives: 1. Understand the purpose and significance of the Freedmen’s Bureau in American history. 2. Analyze primary sources to gain insights into the experiences of formerly enslaved individuals during Reconstruction. 3. Engage in activities that promote critical thinking and empathy towards the challenges faced by freedmen.

Materials: 1. Primary sources (see Activity 1) 2. Chart paper or whiteboard 3. Markers or chalk 4. Copies of activity sheets (see Activity 2) 5. Pencils or pens

Activity 1: Primary Source Analysis (45 minutes)

1. Begin by introducing the concept of primary sources to the students. Explain that primary sources are original documents or artifacts created during the time period being studied.
2. Provide students with copies of primary sources related to the Freedmen’s Bureau, such as letters, photographs, or newspaper articles. You can find suitable primary sources on websites like the Library of Congress or the National Archives.
3. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different primary source.
4. In their groups, students should analyze the primary source using the following questions:
   • What is the primary source? (e.g., letter, photograph, newspaper article)
   • Who created the primary source?
   • When was the primary source created?
   • What information can be gathered from the primary source?
   • How does the primary source relate to the Freedmen’s Bureau?
5. After analyzing the primary source, each group should present their findings to the class. Encourage students to share their interpretations and discuss the significance of the primary sources in understanding the experiences of freedmen during Reconstruction.

Activity 2: Freedmen’s Bureau Activity Sheets (60 minutes)

1. Distribute activity sheets to each student. The activity sheets should include questions and prompts related to the Freedmen’s Bureau.
2. Instruct students to read the questions and prompts carefully and answer them based on their understanding of the Freedmen’s Bureau.
3. Encourage students to use their prior knowledge, primary sources analyzed in Activity 1, and any additional resources provided to complete the activity sheets.
4. Once students have completed their activity sheets, facilitate a class discussion to review their answers. Allow students to share their responses and discuss their reasoning.
5. As a class, create a chart on the board or chart paper to summarize the key functions and achievements of the Freedmen’s Bureau based on the students’ responses. Include categories such as education, healthcare, employment, and legal assistance.
6. Conclude the activity by discussing the impact of the Freedmen’s Bureau on the lives of formerly enslaved individuals and its significance in American history.

Extension Activity (Optional):

1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
2. Instruct each group to create a short skit or role-play depicting a scenario where a freedman seeks assistance from the Freedmen’s Bureau.
3. Encourage students to consider the challenges faced by freedmen and the services provided by the Freedmen’s Bureau in their skits.
4. Allow time for groups to rehearse their skits.
5. Have each group perform their skit for the class.
6. After each performance, facilitate a discussion on the challenges faced by freedmen and the importance of the Freedmen’s Bureau in helping them rebuild their lives.

Assessment: Assess students’ understanding of the Freedmen’s Bureau through their participation in class discussions, completion of activity sheets, and performance in the extension activity. Additionally, review students’ primary source analysis to evaluate their ability to interpret historical documents.