Reconstruction Unit (5th–8th Grade)

Here’s what’s included in this Reconstruction Unit

• 5 lesson plans (45 minutes each)
• All student materials (worksheets, articles, graphic organizers, and more)
• Answer keys
• 1 Slideshow
• Editable end-of-unit study guide and test
• Pacing guides and teacher instructions
• Google Slides versions of the lessons
• Easy printing file with all student worksheets and articles

Lesson Objectives & Activities

Lesson 1: Visions of Reconstruction 

Objectives: I can explain and evaluate different people’s ideas about how to rebuild the country during Reconstruction.

Activities:

• Slideshow + Illustrated Notes
• Gallery Walk

Lesson 2: Reconstruction Amendments

Objectives: I can identify the rights promised in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. I can describe what really happened with each amendment, including both successes and obstacles.

Activities:

• Amendment Investigators Activity
• Whole-class Synthesis

Lesson 3: Steps Toward Equal Rights

Objectives: I can create and present a poster about one area of advancement African Americans achieved during Reconstruction. I can participate in a Museum Walk to compare different areas of advancement during Reconstruction.

Activities:

• Create Posters for Museum Exhibits
• Museum Walk

Lesson 4: Resistance and Backlash

Objectives: I can analyze different forms of resistance and backlash African Americans faced during Reconstruction. In a silent conversation, I can reflect on what I’ve learned, respond to others’ ideas, and make connections through writing.

Activities:

• Silent Conversation Activity
• Discussion

Lesson 5: Legacy of Reconstruction 

Objectives: I can use evidence to explain why Reconstruction came to an end and identify important turning points. I can analyze the legacy of Reconstruction by evaluating its lasting impacts on the United States.

Activities:

• Article
• Interactive Timeline
• Discussion

How to Use in the Classroom

This unit has five lessons, each with 45 minutes of activities.It can be taught in one week or extended into two weeks if you want to slow down for more discussion and writing. For pacing suggestions, check out the preview.

For 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students

The unit articles and task cards are written at a 7th-8th grade reading level. If you teach one of those grades, your students will be able to complete the activities more or less independently.

If you teach 5th or 6th grade, I recommend reading and analyzing the articles with your students. They will do great! Check out the reviews to see how teachers at your grade level have successfully used and loved this unit.

In-Person & Remote Learning

I designed this unit to be printed out and used in an in-person classroom. 

However, the unit can also be taught remotely. I have created a Google Slides resource for each lesson. Each resource contains student instructions, student worksheets with editable text boxes, and articles/task cards, if applicable. Teachers can assign Google Slides via Google Classroom.

Traditional Classroom vs. Homeschooling

This Reconstruction Unit was designed to be used in a traditional school setting. Almost every lesson includes some type of group work with peers. The activities are interactive and often get kids out of their seats. 

That being said, many homeschooling parents successfully use my units. Before purchasing, know that some lessons must be modified for homeschooling settings.

This Reconstruction Unit also includes digital access via Google Slides.

I have created a Google Slides resource for each lesson. Each resource contains student instructions, student worksheets with editable text boxes, and articles/task cards, if applicable. Teachers can assign Google Slides via Google Classroom.

This Unit is For You If: 

• You want an easy-to-teach, ready-to-use unit that makes Reconstruction clear and manageable.

• You believe history should be interactive and want students to analyze sources, create projects, and discuss big ideas.

• You want your students to learn the truth about Reconstruction, not a whitewashed version, with lessons that are honest about both progress and resistance, but still accessible for middle schoolers.

• You’re short on prep time and want lessons that are organized, engaging, and classroom-ready.

This Unit is NOT For You If: 

• You prefer only lecture-based instruction or PowerPoint notes. These lessons are interactive and discussion-based, and students will often be up, moving, and collaborating.

• You’d rather skip over the harder parts of history. This unit addresses racism, violence, and resistance during Reconstruction honestly, but always in a way that is appropriate for middle school students.