Lesson Plan - Fighting in the Forgotten War

Watch the Video
Play the video “Honoring Our Veterans,” then ask: Why is it important to remember the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• sacred
• ancestors

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why it is important to learn the stories of U.S. war veterans.

1. How did the Korean War start, and how did the U.S. get involved?
The Korean War started in June 1950 when 90,000 North Korean troops crossed the border into South Korea. The U.S. got involved when it led a group of countries to come to South Korea’s defense.
^{R.5 Cause/Effect}

2. Summarize the main idea and key details of the section “Coming Home.”
The section “Coming Home” is mainly about the end of the war and Ernesto Sanchez’s experiences after the war. The war ended when leaders signed an armistice on July 27, 1953. Sanchez returned to the U.S. and became a teacher. Today he tells his story to preserve the memory of all who served in the Korean War.
^{R.2 Main Idea and Key Details}

3. Based on the sidebar, “What You Need to Know About the Korean War,” what is the relationship between North Korea and South Korea like today?
Based on the sidebar, “What You Need to Know About the Korean War,” North Korea and South Korea still do not get along. They are separated by a 2.5-mile-wide demilitarized zone, or DMZ. The two sides sometimes exchange gunfire along the DMZ.
^{R.7 Text Features}

Featured Skill: Vocabulary
Distribute the skill builder “Military Words.” Have students answer the questions about the vocabulary.
^{R.4 Vocabulary}