Letters to Lida is an Instructional Tool
Bringing History into the Classroom
Lesson Plans using Letters to Lida
World War II Letters
Abstract
“Many students view the lives of soldiers at war as one battle after another. As a way to see the more human side of soldiers at war and their loved ones at home, students will view letters written at that time and even learn about the special way of making letters smaller so they would take up less space on transport. By the end of the lesson students will create their own wartime letter that reflects some of the main ideas and topics from the lessons.”
http://www.usd116.org/profdev/ahtc/lessons/Ruud07/Ruud07lesson.htm
My Dear Little Boys
Abstract
“Letters written by soldiers in World War II to family, loved ones, and friends were a lifeline between the writer and those on the Home Front. By carefully reading these letters, students can learn about the experiences of war, and the emotions, fears, and desires of soldiers away from home, enriching their understanding of historical sources, war, and human relations.”
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/education/for-teachers/lesson-plans/my-dear-little-boys.pdf
Letters Home: Typical Correspondence During World War II
Abstract
“Frequently, these letter exchanges served not only as a way to keep a soldier stationed overseas informed about what was happening at home, but a way to keep connected and possibly comfort both the soldier and a family at home in a difficult situation.”
Letters from American Men and Women on the Battle Front
Abstract
“How do the letters of servicemen and women reveal the heroism of and sacrifices made by them during World War II?”
http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/images/lesson_plans/Servicemens-Letters-Lesson.pdf
The Importance of Letters to Soldiers at War
Abstract
“Students begin by discussing the importance of communication in their everyday lives. They then analyze primary source letters from a soldier who fought in World War II, focusing on the maker, date, place of origin, intended audience, and purpose of the document. While sharing their analysis within a group, students assess the importance of letters to soldiers serving overseas. After a teacher-led discussion of the letters, students learn about Operation Gratitude and compose letters to soldiers serving overseas today.”
Letters from the Front Line
Abstract
“Soldiers and military personnel on the battlefronts of World War II stayed connected to their loved ones through letter writing. Because the U.S. military was concerned that intercepted letters would provide the enemy with detailed information about the location of troops and battle plans, all mail sent home was censored before it was mailed as V-Mail or Victory Mail. In this letter-writing activity, students examine the writing of one witness to war before writing their own letters.”
http://www-tc.pbs.org/thewar/downloads/letters.pdf
Combat and War
Abstract
“Students explore testimony of several different people who experienced combat, some of whom suffered physical or psychological injuries in the process. “
http://www-tc.pbs.org/thewar/downloads/combat.pdf
Letters Back Home: A soldier’s perspective on World War I
Abstract
“World War I traumatized many of the soldiers that participated in the war. It had a lasting effect on the political, economic, social, and cultural lives of Americans during the 1920’s. By reading letters that one soldier wrote to his family back home. Students can gain insight into the reasons why the “Great War” had such a profound impact on the United States in years following the war.”
