Modern Gettysburg Address

This creative writing worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they practice speechwriting, persuasive expression, civic awareness, and purposeful organization. By modeling their own short speech after the Gettysburg Address, students apply historical ideals to modern issues such as climate change or digital citizenship while learning how respectful tone, unity, and a clear call to action can inspire an audience.

Learning Goals

• Speechwriting Skills (Grades 5-6) – Organize ideas into a short, structured speech with a clear purpose and audience.
• Civic Engagement & Leadership – Express informed opinions on modern issues using respectful, motivational language.
• Applying Historical Ideals – Connect themes of unity, responsibility, and democracy from Lincoln’s speech to present-day contexts.
• Audience Awareness & Tone – Use formal yet engaging language appropriate for public speaking.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Guided Speech Structure – Prompts help students plan introduction, message, and call to action effectively.
• Encourages Student Voice – Empowers learners to speak thoughtfully about issues that matter to them.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for writing units, civics projects, speaking assessments, or enrichment activities.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen persuasive writing, civic understanding, and confident self-expression by blending historical inspiration with modern relevance. By crafting their own version of a Gettysburg-style speech, learners develop leadership skills and learn how words can motivate positive change. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Gettysburg Address collection.