Overview:
While American soldiers were fighting abroad, those
left at home, including children, contributed to the
war effort in many ingenious ways.
Background:
Although World War II wasn't physically fought on
US soil, its effects were deeply felt by all Americans.
With a majority of the male population overseas, remaining
citizens dedicated themselves to the task of keeping
their country running efficiently while supporting the
soldiers. Women, previously discouraged from working
in industry, became the work force out of necessity.
Young people experienced a childhood that included
carrying out their civic duty above all else. They collected
everyday items for use in the military, helped plant
some of the twenty million "victory gardens,"
which added to the food supply, and bought war bonds
to support the effort.
Aim/Essential Question:
How did children impact the war effort on US soil?
Motivation:
It's common for children to feel that, in the grand
scheme of things, what they contribute to a cause isn't
significant. Through this activity, they will see important
actions of kids during World War II and speculate about
how they can help during the current conflict in Iraq.
Objectives:
- Students will identify the ways in which children
were involved in the war effort in the 1940s.
- Students will view WWII propaganda posters and
create their own.
- Students will listen to patriotic songs that children
were taught in school.
- Students will compare children's contributions
in World War II to the contributions school children
are making today.
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