CIVIL WAR StoryTelling

I am Calvin Sims and I teach history, culture and peace through storytelling about the American Frontier, including the American Civil War. I am here to be your guide in exploring the mysteries of North American history. I am located in Atlanta, Georgia and perform throughout the United States and abroad. I have been telling stories in homes, churches, museums, storytelling festivals, nursing homes and schools for the last twelve years. I have extensive experience in working with children and young adults.

The Civil War Program consists of three options, illustrated below. Each program lasts 45 minute to one hour. There is no audience size limit. This program has been conducted for as many as 700 student in a gymnasium.

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The Story

This forty-five minute to one hour storytelling presentation gives an overview of the major issues in the Civil War. This presentation is designed to support the learning goals as outlined in the American National Cirriculum for 8th grade through 12th grade standards for the Civil War. During the presentation the storyteller asks the audience leading questions that help the audience to connect yesterday to the current day.

The War Rally

The StoryTeller Invites the audience to go back in time and participate in the critical debate on slavery and states rights, the two issues at the cause of the American Civil War. The students are encouraged to join a side. Critical concerns from both side are presented in a way that empathy develops for both sides. We will use historical facts and figures to attempt to convince your students that their cause is just and worthy of their support. At the end of the performance, the audience will vote on how they would participate.

The Two Perspectives

The Confederate Cause - A just war for independence from the economic tyranny of the whole country. The Confederates fought to keep true to the idea that each state has its own sovereignty and rights as defined by the Constitution. They also fought to protect their homes, families, and economic futures from the “Yankee” invasion.

The Union Cause - A war for the freedom of the slaves and to prevent the fracturing of America, to keep the states united. Many Union soldiers fought to protect the national interest of the USA as they saw it.

Students are randomly divided into the two respective groups. A presentation is given outlining the specifics of each side. Students are then allowed to create posters and slogans supporting each side. Political candidates are allowed to give brief campaign speaches.

Date last updated: Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:56 PM

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