Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in your homeschool today! On this day in American history, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War. These Emancipation Proclamation activities will help your students read a real primary source, pull out key facts, and summarize what the proclamation did – and did not – do.
On this day in American History, January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. The Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, freed all slaves in the Southern States.
You can click here to see all of the posts in this series: Homeschool Civics Lessons.
Quick background on the Emancipation Proclamation
If you need a refresher on the facts regarding the Emancipation Proclamation, take a few moments to read about this important document:
The Emancipation Proclamation declared that enslaved people in states (or parts of states) “in rebellion” against the United States “shall be…forever free.”
It was also limited: it did not apply to loyal border states, and it excluded some areas already under Union control—so its practical effect expanded as Union armies advanced.
A key lead-up to this historical event was Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, which warned that if the rebellion continued, emancipation would take effect on January 1, 1863.
Emancipation Proclamation Activities for the Mini History Lesson
Let’s learn about the Emancipation Proclamation by working through one or all of the activities below.
1.) Read the original text of the Emancipation Proclamation.
2.) Answer the following questions by writing your answers neatly on a piece of paper or in your Notebook of Knowledge:
- When was the original proclamation declared?
- On what date did the proclamation go into effect?
- What was the full name of the president that issued the proclamation?
- In your own words, summarize what this proclamation declared.
Notebook of Knowledge (Writing Prompt)
If you are using a Notebook of Knowledge, have your student write his answer to this Emancipation Proclamation writing prompt with today’s date.
See below for Notebook of Knowledge instructions.
Why do you think Lincoln used a proclamation during wartime instead of waiting for a new constitutional amendment? Give two reasons, using at least one detail from the primary source.
More American History Mini Lessons
If you are new American History Mini Lessons for homeschool: Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!
This series here at Mama’s Learning Corner includes American History Mini Lessons for your homeschool. You will learn about famous Americans, interesting inventions and their patents, American art and music, and more.
You will also find suggested activities – labeled “To do” – if you would like to research this during your homeschool’s group time in the morning, or you can assign the activities for your children to work on independently.
If you think you will do more than one day of On This Day in American History, I would encourage you to have your child keep what I call a Notebook of Knowledge. A spiral notebook or sheets of paper stapled together is more than adequate!
Have your child write the day’s event and the date at the top of his paper. If there are writing activities, have him use his best composition, grammar, and penmanship as he completes the answers. After just a few weeks or even a month, he will have an excellent resource to read through!
Want the January Mini Lessons Pack?
Prefer to plan ahead? Grab the January Mini Lessons Pack for all 31 lessons in one easy download with clickable links, downloads, and answers where applicable.
On This Day in American History January Calendar
On This Day in American History January Calendar
Enjoy a daily American History event with suggested learning activities for each day of January
On This Day in American History – Brand New! January Calendar
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