World War I | Guided Practice
In this guided practice lesson, Grade 1 students use simple computer-based activities and teacher support to learn that World War I was a long time ago and to sort a few basic events into order. The focus is on following directions, using a classroom device with help, and building very early history and computer skills.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| war | A fight between groups of people or countries. |
| timeline | A line that shows events in order from first to last. |
| past | Things that happened a long time ago. |
| computer | A machine people use to learn, type, and play educational games. |
| peace | A time when people are not fighting. |
Show a picture of a computer and ask, 'What do we use a computer for?' Tell students they will use a computer to learn about something from the past.
Look, listen, and share a simple idea about computers.
Say: 'World War I was a big war that happened a long time ago.' Keep explanation brief and age-appropriate. Show one or two simple images and point out that it is in the past.
Repeat key words like 'past' and 'long ago.'
Model how to click, tap, or drag one item on the screen. Guide students through a very simple matching or sorting activity with three picture cards or digital images.
Follow the teacher’s steps and complete each action with help.
Place three large images on the board: before war, during war, peace after war. Ask students to help move or point to them in order on the class timeline.
Help sort the pictures in order and say 'first,' 'next,' and 'last.'
Ask two or three quick questions: 'Which picture came first?' 'What does peace mean?' Review the main idea that World War I was in the past.
Answer with one word or a short phrase.
Praise effort and restate the goal: 'Today we used a computer to learn about the past and put events in order.'
Listen and respond with a class echo phrase.
End by having students say together: 'We learned about the past and used a computer to sort events in order.'