As a teacher, you are too often an unsung hero tasked with providing an education to your students that equips them for success in the classroom and in life. You have a noble mission: shaping the heroes of tomorrow. World War I lessons are great for forging the heroes and leaders our nation and communities need. However, when you are up against budget and time constraints, meaningfully engaging your students can feel impossible. If you are tired of textbooks that put your students to sleep instead of inspiring them, you are not alone. Fortunately, reinforcements have arrived.

Wake up the dormant leaders in your students by bringing history to life with PATH TO HONOR! PATH TO HONOR has innovative and engaging WWI lessons that bring history to life, inspiring them to become active citizens and leaders of character within their communities. Here’s how PATH TO HONOR can turn your classroom into an arena where the heroes and leaders of tomorrow are made.

Related Article: How to Empower Students in the Classroom

Why Can Students Learn from World War I Lessons?

World War I undeniably shaped the world we live in today, from global politics to societal structures to laying the foundation for conflicts that continue to rage on, including the rise of Nazism in World War II. World War I lessons are an essential component of every student’s education.

This raises the question: What are the primary lessons from World War I that your students will learn? Here are just a few lessons that demonstrate the transformative power of learning about this subject: 

• Responsibly using new technology: When you teach your students about World War I, they will learn about two key events that preceded it – the Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment. These were eras of unprecedented technological and scientific advancement in the Western world. At the time, people believed they were on the cusp of a utopia. However, that dream was shattered when the war broke out because this technology was not used to advance society; this technology was used, instead, to kill approximately 17 million people. As we continue to advance as a society with revolutionary tools, such as AI tools, students will learn a vital lesson from this war – to use new technology responsibly and for good.
• The human condition: World War I also teaches students how the complex dynamics of the human condition can lead to conflict. With the power of hindsight, they will be better equipped to navigate such conflicts on a smaller scale in and outside the classroom. In doing so, they will be better leaders because the insights they gain from this war will make them adept at resolving conflicts and collaborating. 
• The need for democracy and diplomacy: Students will also learn how democracy and diplomacy are crucial to peacekeeping efforts, turning them into more than just leaders. They will also learn the need for communication and discourse to avoid or resolve conflicts. Understanding the need for democracy will also teach your students the importance of putting the needs of others before their own.
• The need for compassion and empathy: World War I lessons raise essential ethical questions. As students learn about the rise of Nazism, oppression, racism, and the stark lines drawn in the sand between countries, students will become more compassionate and empathetic leaders. The human cost of World War I was also immense, and by studying the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and refugees, students developed empathy and understanding for the suffering caused by conflict. This empathy and compassion will also help them appreciate the importance of peace and reconciliation and develop ethical frameworks to make informed decisions, even amid complex moral dilemmas. 
• Historical and global context: World War I was a pivotal event in international history, shaping the world we live in today. By studying this conflict, students can gain a deeper understanding of the war’s causes, consequences, and enduring legacies. This will help your students make more informed decisions and become more engaged citizens to, ultimately, avoid repeating past mistakes that divide the world. 

World War I lessons are an essential component of a well-rounded education. These lessons will not only help your students succeed academically, but they will help them succeed in life. 

Still, teaching your students about this conflict in a way that engages them and catalyzes true character growth can be challenging. With so many distractions, competing for their undivided attention can feel like an impossible feat. That’s where PATH TO HONOR enters the picture.

Related Article: World War II Lessons for Middle and High School

Unlocking the Potential of Your WW1 Lesson Plans with PATH TO HONOR

PATH TO HONOR is a FREE, innovative student portal with World War I lessons that are designed by teachers for teachers to build character and turn students into the leaders of tomorrow. 

These lessons are engaging and will resonate profoundly with your students. PATH TO HONOR is designed specifically to demonstrate and instill the core values in students that have built our country and define our nation’s greatest honor, the Medal of Honor:

• Courage
• Sacrifice
• Patriotism
• Citizenship
• Integrity
• Commitment

PATH TO HONOR has 3 video lessons that revolve around each value, providing 18 weeks of FREE ready-made material. Who better to teach these lessons than the real-life heroes who embody these values? These captivating videos revolve around first-hand accounts of Medal of Honor recipients.

PATH TO HONOR’s World War I lessons promote self-discovery, instill independence, develop critical thinking, facilitate riveting discussion, and catalyze true character development.

These lessons are easily adaptable and can be seamlessly integrated into virtually all World War 1 lesson plans for middle school and high school students. The video lessons are interactive, self-guided, and immersive. 

Related Article: FREE Online History Lessons for High School | 18 Ready-Made History Modules

World War I Lessons of Patriotism from Victor Izac

This lesson will drop your students right into the heart of the war aboard the USS President Lincoln with Lieutenant Edouard Victor Michael Izac. When the ship was attacked by a German submarine, they captured Izac amid the chaos.

The Germans interrogated him, but he proved to have an unbreakable resolve and commitment to his country, refusing to give up any information while the U-90 submarine patrolled the North Atlantic. Because escape at sea was impossible, Izac was allowed to move freely about the vessel. 

However, unbeknownst to his captors, Izac understood German and was gathering intel. As he roamed the ship, he listened closely to their conversations and discovered crucial information, such as the boat’s design, capabilities, movements, and rendezvous points in the North Atlantic. 

When the boat eventually did reach shore, Izac was sent to prison camps. But this did not deter him. He made several efforts to escape, including jumping through the window of a speeding train! Each time he was recaptured, Izac endured unimaginable punishment and inhumane conditions. 

But he remained steadfast in his commitment to his country. His patriotism fueled an inextinguishable desire to escape captivity and deliver this valuable intelligence to the U.S. and its allies. Finally, in 1918, Izac managed to escape. 

Izac navigated the mountains of Southwestern Germany, moving almost entirely at night and surviving only on the food he could find. After a 120-mile trek through hazardous terrain, he eventually swam across the freezing Rhine River to Switzerland.

Izac’s top priority wasn’t his well-being; it was serving his nation. He immediately delivered the top secret details he had committed to memory to U.S. and British authorities. Izac’s devotion to his country was far from over after the war, as he eventually became a California congressman. 

Through this awe-inspiring testament to patriotism, students will be inspired and learn the incredible power of:

• Courage and resilience: Izac’s unwavering determination to escape captivity and serve his country demonstrates the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Patriotism and duty: Izac’s unwavering commitment to his country and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the greater good highlight the power of patriotism and duty.
• Resourcefulness and adaptability: Izac’s ability to navigate unimaginable circumstances and survive in harsh conditions, whether in captivity or enduring the brutal environment of the mountain range, demonstrates the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability. 
• Intellect and observation: Izac’s ability to gather intelligence from his captors displays the importance of intellect and observation in understanding and overcoming complex dilemmas.
• Perseverance and determination: Izac’s several escape attempts and his unshakeable commitment to his mission demonstrate the importance of perseverance and determination.

Related Article: FREE Teaching Resources for Middle School | No Lesson Planning Required!

World War I Lessons of Citizenship from Henry Johnson

In this video history lesson, students will be transported back in time alongside Private Henry Johnson, who was serving in one of the only units open to African Americans: The Harlem Hellfighters, the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment.  

At the time, the military was segregated, and most black soldiers served in labor battalions and not combat units. But The Harlem Hellfighters were different. General Pershing sent the 369th to fight with the French army, which accepted them as their own. 

One night, Private Johnson and his friend Needham Roberts were on watch duty near the front lines when a dozen German soldiers launched a surprise attack, resulting in both men being hit with gunfire. Private Johnson saw two enemy soldiers carrying his friend away. 

As soon as Private Johnson saw his friend in enemy hands, he sprang into action despite his wounds. He engaged the German forces in hand-to-hand combat, overpowering several of them single-handedly and throwing grenades until the others retreated. 

Private Johnson saved his friend and prevented the rest of his unit from being attacked. Private Johnson received France’s highest military honor for his valiant display of citizenship: the Croix de Guerre. Still, it would take decades for him to receive a U.S. military honor.

Tragically, Private Johnson did not receive his Medal of Honor in his lifetime. His heroic act of bravery and commitment to putting the greater good before his own well-being saved many lives. Learning about this story will inspire your students to emulate this selflessness and teach them the power of:

• Courage and bravery: Johnson’s unwavering courage and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrate not just the importance of these qualities in the face of danger but also how a commitment to a cause can equip them with unbelievable resolve.
• Selflessness and sacrifice: Johnson’s willingness to risk his life to save his comrade highlights the importance of selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good.
• Leadership and initiative: Johnson’s actions demonstrate the importance of leadership and initiative as he took charge of the situation to save his unit.
• Equality and justice: Johnson’s story highlights the injustices faced by African Americans during World War I and the importance of fighting for equality and justice in their communities, turning them into advocates for those whose voices may be muted. 
• Overcoming adversity: Johnson’s life was marked by challenges, including racial discrimination and poverty, and his story demonstrates how your students can overcome adversity and strive for success, no matter the circumstances. 
• Individual action: Johnson’s actions had a profound impact on the outcome of the battle and the lives of his comrades, showing your students that their individual actions can truly make a difference in the world. Ultimately, this will inspire them to use their influence for good.

Related Article: Why is History Important for Students? The Foundation for Future Leaders

Want to Teach Your Students to Become Leaders in Their Communities? Register today for FREE World War I Lessons and More! 

Are you tired of history lessons that make your students’ eyes glaze over? If you are looking for World War I lessons that will equip your students with the skills and perspective to be the leaders who shape their communities, look no further. PATH TO HONOR is a FREE, self-guided, and interactive solution for teachers like you. This portal brings history to life in a way that textbooks and drops students in the middle of the conflict.

By introducing your students to this portal, you are introducing them to their full potential. Register for PATH TO HONOR today to use these transformative, readymade lessons.