[Pulled this post from the archive on this 160th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg and “Pickett’s Charge.” (Originally published on April 21, 2017)]
I would suggest that guides do not write lesson plans, which would certainly have altered this presentation. You have written a great lesson plan here. You even make me miss teaching 8th graders - I would have loved to have taught my Texas kids this one, virtually of course.
Regarding the painting you shared. The area where the rebels are standing looks so flat. Until I stood at the Virginia monument and looked east toward the Meade monument, I’d not realized how literally uphill the Pickett-Pettigrew assault was. I understand the Federal soldiers were chanting “Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!” The rebels only charged once and gave it up as a bad job. I wonder how the percentage of KIA and wounded compare in those two actions.
I think you are absolutely right, but I want to be clear that I am not in any way faulting him for not bringing a lesson plan along. That was certainly not his job and speaks to the importance of teachers taking the responsibility to plan their tours according to a specified set of goals.
I just happened to be watching this video that focuses on the landscape along Cemetery Ridge. Check it out.
I would suggest that guides do not write lesson plans, which would certainly have altered this presentation. You have written a great lesson plan here. You even make me miss teaching 8th graders - I would have loved to have taught my Texas kids this one, virtually of course.
Regarding the painting you shared. The area where the rebels are standing looks so flat. Until I stood at the Virginia monument and looked east toward the Meade monument, I’d not realized how literally uphill the Pickett-Pettigrew assault was. I understand the Federal soldiers were chanting “Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!” The rebels only charged once and gave it up as a bad job. I wonder how the percentage of KIA and wounded compare in those two actions.
I think you are absolutely right, but I want to be clear that I am not in any way faulting him for not bringing a lesson plan along. That was certainly not his job and speaks to the importance of teachers taking the responsibility to plan their tours according to a specified set of goals.
I just happened to be watching this video that focuses on the landscape along Cemetery Ridge. Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5xks-9xdA
Agreed, of course. I should have thought that thru better. Thx for the link!