Show a picture of Abraham Lincoln and say, 'Today we will learn about a war in our country’s past called the Civil War.' Ask, 'What is a war?' and briefly define it as fighting between groups.

Listen, answer questions, and share any prior ideas about wars or history.

Use simple language to explain that the Civil War was fought in the United States because people disagreed about important issues, especially slavery. Point to the U.S. map and explain that it was a war between Americans. Share that Abraham Lincoln was the president during the war.

Look at the map and picture, repeat key words, and listen for the main idea.

Draw a simple T-chart on the board labeled 'Before' and 'After.' Help students name one change: before the war, slavery existed; after the war, slavery ended in the United States. Keep the explanation age-appropriate and brief.

Help fill in the chart, say a fact aloud, and answer yes/no questions.

Ask three short questions: 'Was the Civil War fought in America?' 'Was Abraham Lincoln a leader then?' 'Did the war change the country?'

Respond orally, using thumbs up/down or one-word answers.

Say, 'The Civil War was an important part of U.S. history. It was a war in our own country that helped change our nation.'

Repeat the key idea and listen for the takeaway.