The Power of Dreams

This printout describes Abraham Lincoln’s famous dream about his own assassination and then requires students to describe and draw a scene from a powerful dream they’ve had.

Obejctive:

• Students will analyze a primary source account from Abraham Lincoln about a dream he had days before his assassination.
• Students will explore the emotional and historical significance of Lincoln’s dream.
• Students will connect personal experiences with vivid dreams to historical imagination.
• Students will express understanding through visual art and written reflection.

Step 1 – Warm-Up Discussion (10 minutes)

• Ask students: “Have you ever had a dream that felt real when you woke up?”
• Have a few students share their dreams briefly if they are comfortable.
• Transition by saying: “Just before he died, President Abraham Lincoln had a dream that he later shared with others. Today, we’ll learn about that dream and why it was so significant.”

Step 2 – Reading Lincoln’s Dream (10 minutes)

• Read Lincoln’s dream aloud or have students read it in pairs or groups.
• As they read, ask them to underline parts that stand out or seem eerie or meaningful.

Step 3 – Class Discussion (10 minutes)

Discuss the following questions:

1. How does Lincoln describe the atmosphere in his dream?
2. Why might this dream have been so disturbing for him?
3. What connections can you make between this dream and what happened to Lincoln shortly after?
4. Do you think dreams can be symbolic or predictive? Why or why not?

Step 4 – Creative Activity (20 minutes)

• Students will draw a scene from a vivid dream they’ve had — similar to how Lincoln described his own dream.
• Below the drawing, students should write a brief explanation of their dream: what happened, how it made them feel, and why they remember it.
• If students struggle to recall a dream, they can create an imaginary one that might symbolize something important to them.

Step 5 – Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to share their drawings and written descriptions.
• Connect their personal reflections back to the power of Lincoln’s dream as a historical and emotional moment.