C-Dub Letters

A few questions… When was the last time you wrote a letter? When was the last time you sent an ? Did either contain important news? If you had something important to convey, what means of communication would you use and why? In the 19 th century, the only way to communicate was by letter….

Imagine that you’re a Civil War soldier… How important is it to you to receive letters? What kinds of things would you hope to hear about from back home? How important is it for you to write letters home? What kinds of things would friends and family hope to hear about from you?

Traitors and Patriots Video Segment: Listen carefully- especially to the excerpts from REAL letters and diaries!

A few questions: Did the men enlisting envision a long or short war? What important choices did these men have to make in the early days of war? Why did Lee reject the offer to lead Union forces? While info about the “big bugs” was included in this segment, why do you think it’s important to hear from boys like Sam Watkins or Elisha Hunt Rhodes? If you lived during 1861 would YOU have enlisted?

Sullivan Ballou I’ll read some background now; you will listen.

Next… We’ll read a letter he wrote to his wife and we’ll analyze it using the worksheet provided. You need –Several colors of highlighter (you just need one at a time so you can share with your table mates) –A copy of the letter

Shhhhhhhhhhhh….. Read the letter quietly

1.What can you INFER about Sullivan Ballou from his letter? Choose a highlighter. Highlight examples that show or illustrate: –What his home life is like –What his family life is like –His view of the army or loyalty to army or the cause –Level of education

2. Grab another color. Highlight: –his personal concerns about the war –Is the Civil War his only worry? If not, find what else he worries about and HIGHLIGHT it.

3. How important does it appear to be for Sullivan Ballou to receive and write letters at this time? Rate /10. DISCUSS ANIMATEDLY WITH A NEIGHBOR

4. Using your third color, find examples of strong point of view and voice Look for: Emotional language Imagery (Author paints a picture in your mind) Personal language

Finally… We’ll watch a short video clip called “Honorable Manhood.”

Now that we’re sufficiently depressed, let’s grade a part of Sullivan’s letter using the same rubric I’ll use to grade YOUR letters…

Letter Rubric Details: Length, Word- Processing, Signed/Dated, Double Spaced (5 pts) The letter is page and a half, or about 400 words; it’s typed, signed, dated and double spaced. The letter easily exceeds a page, or about 350 words. One “details” requirement is missing. The letter exceeds one page, or about 250 words. Several “details” requirements are missing. Point of View (5pts)Your point of view is strong and consistent throughout your letter; your passion for your cause is evident; the reader feels as if they are inside your head! Your point of view is evident and consistent in most of your letter; your passion for your cause is present; the reader feels as if they are inside your head most of the time. Your passion and unique point of view show themselves from time to time. Sensory Language (5 pts) The letter contains an abundance of descriptive words that really let the reader get to know the people who are writing and receiving; place and time is well established with choice of language. The letter contains enough information to inform the reader well about the people, as well as place and time. The letter includes a somewhat defined writer of the letter and receiver of the letter; it says a little about place and time. Facts (5 pts)The letter uses and underlines 8 well-developed and detailed facts that flow seamlessly and inform but don’t distract the reader. The letter uses and underlines 4 or 5 well- developed facts that flow really well and give plenty of helpful information. The letter uses several facts that help inform the reader. They are not underlined. Vocabulary (5 pts)The letter uses 3 vocabulary words or phrases to help inform the reader and give authenticity to the project. They are marked well. The letter uses 2 vocabulary words or phrases to help inform the reader and give authenticity to the project. They are marked well. The letter uses 1 vocabulary word or phrase to help inform the reader and give authenticity to the project. They may or may not be marked well.

Now let’s use it to grade a student letter from last year…

Once you begin LETTER WRITING, your letters will have to include THE FOLLOWING: 1.5 pgs, double spaced, approx 400 words 8+ marked, detailed facts 5+ marked vocabulary words (from your list and your research) Appropriate word choice, voice and sensory language to establish your point of view (making it personal and relevant to what is going on around you and your character) Sign it and date it!