A Penny for Abe

What do you know about Abraham Lincoln? Learn about his life, presidency, monument, and tribute to him through stories and poems. Students will also learn the attributes of a penny. Use this unit plan to effectively teach the penny.

Weblink address (URL): 
A Penny for Abe

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objectives:

  • The student knows and compares the values of a penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), and dime (10 cents).
  • The student knows selected patriotic songs associated with the United States.
  • The student listens to, views, and discusses stories, poems, and other media about selected men and women in the period of United States history before 1880.
  • The student listens to, views, and discusses stories, poems, and other media about selected American symbols that have emerged from past events, legends, and historical accounts (for example, the eagle, the Liberty Bell, George Washington as the 'father of our country,' the American flag).
  • The student listens to, views, and discusses stories, poems, and other media about selected important buildings, statues, and monuments associated with state and national history.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • The Beacon Unit Plan associated with this lesson can be viewed by clicking on the link located at the top of this page or by using the following URL: http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/search/details.asp?item=2944. Once you select the unit’s link, scroll to the bottom of the unit plan page to find the section, “Associated Files.” This section contains links to the Unit Plan Overview, Diagnostic and Summative Assessments, and other associated files (if any). 
  • The Student Web Story can be used as a shared reading activity teaching phonics, context clues, or punctuation. It is an excellent opportunity for a picture walk or retelling of the story. This particular story lends itself well to the discussion of fact and fiction, as well as real and make believe.
  • Using a magnifying glass, find Lincoln sitting inside the memorial on the back of a penny.
  • Appropriate art activities can be added to enhance the students' knowledge of Abraham Lincoln.
  • Students can complete the Student Web Story in small groups or in a whole group setting according to the availability of technology. Many school media centers now have a computer projector that will project the enlarged computer screen allowing for class use of the Student Web Story.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Student Web Story, A Problem, a Penny, and a President (See Weblinks)
  • A computer with AV/TV or computer lab
  • Patriotic music
  • Various pictures of Abraham Lincoln

References

Contributors: 
Sarah Lasater
Citations: 
  • Brenner, Martha. [Abe Lincoln's Hat]. New York. Random House. 1994.
  • Adler, David A. [A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln]. New York. Holiday House. 1989.
  • [Abraham Lincoln]. Northbrook, IL. Coronet Film & Video.
  • [President Abraham Lincoln, Animated Hero Classics]. Irving, TX. Living History Productions, Inc. 1993.
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation