Title of Lesson: An Understanding of World War II

Objectives:

• Before reading A Pocket Full of Seeds, the students will be able to identify the Allied and Axis powers on a map, and also by participating in a group activity.
• The students will recognize and also be able to understand vocabulary words common to World War II.
  

Materials Needed:

• 3" X 7" Vocabulary word strips
• Resource Books (See Appendix A)
• Map outline
  

Procedures:

1. Explain to the students that they are going to participate in an activity which requires them to have some background knowledge on World War II.

2. Vocabulary. Tell the students that there are some important vocabulary words for them to understand before learning about World War II. (See Appendix A)

• Review the vocabulary words with their definitions on 3" X 7" word strips. (Words should be displayed on the bulletin board as a visual as well as a reference.)

3. Have the students read about World War II in their Social Studies manual or use another resource that explains the beginning of World War II.(Internet Link WWII)

4. Guided Discussion. After the students have read World War II, have them participate in a discussion about World War II. Ask the students to differentiate between the Allied and Axis powers.

• Allies-Britain, France, United States, and Soviet Union
• Axis-Italy, Germany and Japan
  • Give the students a map outlining the countries involved in WWII. Have the students label and color the Axis and Allied powers with a different color to mark the territories. (See Appendix B)

5. Activity. Divide the class into two groups. One representing Germany, the other representing the United States. Statements are read off of the list by the teacher (See Appendix A). Groups confer and decide if the statement pertains to their group or not. A representative comes up from each group and states whether or not it's their group. Points are recorded on the board for the team that gets the correct answer.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on their groups answers to the questions. The teacher will also evaluate the students maps for evidence of learning, and correct labeling of the Allied and Axis powers.