Lesson Plan

“My Dear Little Boys…” Interpreting a letter home from the war

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This “My Dear Little Boys…” Interpreting a letter home from the war lesson plan also includes:

Letters have long been prized by historians as primary sources for what they reveal not only about events but also about the emotional responses of the writers to these events. "My Dear Little Boys," a letter written by Leonard Isacks on December 17, 1944, provides young historians with an opportunity to reflect on what can be learned from a study of such documents.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Use Bernard Edelman's Dear America, Letters Home from Vietnam, as another source
  • Have class members interview family members, friends, and neighbors about letters they may have received from soldiers
Classroom Considerations
  • The seven-page packet includes a detailed plan, a copy of the letter, and worksheet with discussion questions
  • Requires individuals copies of the Iwo Jima Fact Sheet, Leonard Isack's letter, and the student worksheet
Pros
  • The questions on the student worksheet focus attention on details (textual evidence) that adds to their understanding of events as well as Isack's response to these events
Cons
  • None