Battling In The Pacific: Soldiering In World War II

Battling In The Pacific: Soldiering In World War II

Susan Provost Beller

Published by: Twenty-First Century Books

Copyright 2008

112 Pages

World War II, History, Soldiers, First Person, Battle

This nonfiction text chronicles the life of a soldier battling in the Pacific theatre in World War II. The book uses true first person stories and pictures to tell tales from the routine life of a soldier to the intense and dangerous battles against an enemy who chose death over surrender. The text examines the United States involvement in the war from tragedy in Pearl Harbor to the surrender of Japan.

Reading Level

Ages 10+, Lexile Measure: 1000L

Suggested Delivery

Independent Reading, Small Group

Electronic Resources

View the famous speech FDR gave after the attack on Pearl Harbor to provide students with a look at just how important the event was in relation to the United States involvement in World War II.

Have students recreate the FDR speech, or make up their own declaration of war by creating a Voki.

Key Vocabulary

·      The Marshall Plan – An American program aimed at rebuilding and repairing countries destroyed by WWII

·      Axis Powers – Japan, Germany, Italy

·      Allied Powers – U.S., Britain, France, Soviet Union

·      Blitzkrieg – A coordinated land and sea attack orchestrated by Hitler that was aimed to surprise and devastate.

·      Luftwaffe -  The Nazi air force

Teaching Strategies

            Before – Have students create their own vocabulary cards by providing a list of applicable terms. Students can use these as a quick reference while reading the text.

            During – Use a split-page note taking strategy with this nonfiction text to aid in comprehension. Model the process by dividing a page in half and providing important terms on the left and a short description of the term on the right.

            After – Using the ReQuest strategy after reading is a great way to allow students to self-monitor their comprehension. The students and teacher should silently read a selection of the book and upon completion close the book. The teacher will then ask the students a question about the selection. If an acceptable answer is provided the roles are reversed and the student asks the teacher a question about the selection.

Writing

Have students pretend to be a soldier and write a letter home from the Pacific using facts and examples from the text. This actiity will increase student knowledge of letter writing as well as making students use their literal and inferential comprehension. Remind students that they cannot include any information in their letters that can help the enemy!