World War II
As with our WWI studies, I wanted to present a brief overview to World War II events, rather than to do a detailed study. I felt that if any topic raised someone’s particular interest, we would delve into it a little deeper.
Most my children’s existing knowledge of World War II has come through movies. As a family, we had watched a few WWII classic movies, such as the BBC’s The Battle of Britain and The Great Escape and the modern release of Pearl Harbor.
I find that holocaust movies can be deeply disturbing. We selectively guide our children’s viewing of these films. We watched The Diary of Anne Frank and The Boy with Striped Pyjamas.
For our History studies, I wanted to create a type of “skeleton” or framework on which they can attach all their existing and new knowledge.
Timeline activities and map work seemed the best method to use.
I spent several hours researching for online resources and there is a stack out there!
I use OneNote for all my web research and notebook preparation. I simply copy and paste anything I find on the internet on One New Side Note.
What is wonderful about this Microsoft tool (part of the Office package) is that ~
1. it saves everything for you automatically
2.it automatically places the url hyperlink under the clip when you copy and paste a picture, quote, table or whatever. I use these hyperlinks to go back to the original website or use these references to complete my lapbook organizer or bibliography with one click!
3. you can easily organize your notebooks, filing and creating sections, tabs and new notebooks as you go, or afterwards
Recommended Websites on World War Two:
For the best overviews:
A brilliant website with animated maps, timelines and original audio recording, radio broadcasts and famous speeches. Highly recommended! Go here to view WWII in Europe and Africa with an outstanding animation of the Battle of Britian. They also cover the entire WWII Pacific wars and include animated maps with audio of the Japanese Onslaught, America Fights Back and battles on various islands in the Pacific.
They have an excellent site with photos, timelines and free printable notes. They also include some online word searches and quizzes.
Work online on the excellent interactive map of WWII with more notes on the side. (Excellent visual presentation)
Here are stacks of links to maps, photos, documents, stories and even recordings of the war.
(I love audio recordings – great for auditory learners and learning with busy hands!)
With expandable index and excellent notes.
Timelines:
Maps:
- Interactive Map of World War II: The European Theater
- World War 2- maps photos images pictures
- Interactive Map of Europe, Europe Map with Countries and Seas (great for orientation)
- BBC – History – World Wars: Animated Map: The North African Campaign (a fantastic quick overview)
World Leaders & Famous Speeches:
- BBC – History – World Wars: Audio: Churchill and World War Two (3 famous Churchill speeches)
Audio recordings of soldiers, civilians and survivors:
Main battles and events:
- TeachersFirst’s Pearl Harbor and World War II Resources
- World War Two – Picture Gallery Storyboard
- The Battle of the Bulge Remembered : NPR
- WWII Clip Art
- World War 2 Tales « Chester The Crab’s Blog (comic page summary – great for visual learners)
Pearl Harbor: An excellent animated map of the attack at Pearl Harbor with audio and full click details on the images on the map. Pop back to my New Pearl Harbor Lapbook post
Free WWII Notebook Pages:
(Click the title for your free download)
These come in 3 different layouts. We combine our minibooks and notebook pages.
I created a concertina-folded timeline to paste into our Book of Centuries. This way the war “unfolds” 🙂 for the child and gives them a bird’s-eye view. This 9 page download comes with detailed timeline notes that the child can use to write their own time line events.
Children colour in the different countries according to whether they are Axis, Allies, Neutral and Occupied Territories on a world map. Coloured map of Europe during the war is also included.
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Practical Pages 
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