During the 18th and 19th centuries, most American women served in the US Army as nurses or cooks. The women who wanted to contribute as soldiers and spies in the male-dominated military had to disguise themselves as men so they could participate in the fighting force. They had to keep their identity secret and sometimes even refused medical treatment to protect it.
This educational and fun activity will introduce your students to six patriotic American women who took a man’s identity to fight for their country.
The first page contains six mini herstories, and the second page two activities:
1. A word search puzzle that will help students improve their spelling skills and expand their vocabulary.
2. After reading the short biographies on page one, have students find the names in the text boxes. On page two, they will practice their scissors skills, cut the pieces of the women’s names, and assemble and glue them on the correct title line.
Taking this activity to the next level, teachers can offer their students the chance to research these women’s legacies or create a bulletin board.
It is a fantastic activity for English and Social Studies classes, Women’s Veterans Appreciation Day, Women’s Equality Day (August 26), Women’s History Month, and any other occasion.
As educators, it is our responsibility to present a comprehensive history to future generations and emphasize that the world, as it is today, is a product of the works and achievements of both men and women.
Although more than before, the official curriculum still lacks space for women’s history, stories about pioneering women, and their influence on society. Therefore, it is essential to add content about women proactively, give girls role models and examples to identify with and let boys learn that women are equal, valuable, and have contributed to history like men.
Education is one of the significant ways to inspire and create a more equal society for us and future generations.
