Lesson Plan - Ukraine: Then and Now

About the Article

Learning Objective

Students will read about the shared history of Ukraine and Russia, analyze a primary-source interview about one Ukrainian teen’s experience when the Soviet Union fell, and consider connections to the war between Russia and Ukraine today.

Curriculum Connections

• Russia and Ukraine

• The Soviet Union

• Communism

• Independence Movements

• Current Events

Key Skills

Social Studies:

• Analyze a primary source

• Learn and use domain-specific vocabulary

• Contextualize specific events within a broader historical era

English Language Arts:

• Identify key details

• Summarize information

• Make inferences

Key CCSS Standards

RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.6, RH.6-8.7, RH.6-8.9, WHST.6-8.4, WHST.6-8.9, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.6, RI.6-8.7, W.6-8.4, W.6-8.9, SL.6-8.1, SL.6-8.2

Essential Questions

  • What role does government play in people’s daily lives?
  • What can we learn from individuals who have witnessed historic events?
  • How does history help people make sense of current events?

1. Preparing to Read

Preview Content

Ask students to study the photographs on pages 10 and 11. In small groups, have students share observations and generate three to five questions about the events depicted in the two photos. Prompt students to return to their questions at the end of the lesson for reflection.

Preview Vocabulary

Use Words to Know to preteach the domain-specific terms: civilians, Communist, economy, inflation, nostalgic, referendum, and republics. Have students refer to the skill builder as they read.

2. Reading and Discussing

Read the Article

Read the article aloud or have students read it independently or in pairs. As students read, direct them to circle or highlight any words whose meanings they are unsure of.

Answer Close-Reading Questions

Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.

•  When did Ukraine become part of the Soviet Union? What was life like for Ukrainians under Soviet rule? (Key Details)
Ukraine was forced to join the Soviet Union in 1922. Under Soviet rule, Ukrainians had limited rights and little control over their own lives. They could not freely express their culture or heritage. 

• Summarize two changes Olga Sunden experienced when Ukraine became independent. (Summarizing)
Sample response: First, Sunden noticed a flourishing of Ukrainian arts, music, and language, as citizens were finally allowed to express their culture. Second, she saw how inflation raised the prices of everyday goods.

• How do the article and interview help you understand what Ukrainians are fighting for in the war with Russia? (Making Inferences)
Sample response: This article helps me understand that, in the war with Russia, Ukrainians are fighting for the freedom to continue to be their own country. Under Soviet rule, Ukrainians experienced a lack of freedom and they couldn’t express their culture. I can infer that Ukrainians are likely scared of losing what they have gained since they won their independence.

3. Skill Building

Eyewitness to History Contest

This short-term research project is a great way to center student choice and make connections between past and present. Students will interview someone who has witnessed a historic event and report on what they learned. Start by explaining the contest rules outlined on page 24. Then students can use Get Ready for Your Interview to prepare questions for their chosen eyewitness.

Assess Comprehension

Use the skill builder Quiz Wizard to assess comprehension of this article and three others from the issue.

Differentiate and Customize

For Current Events: Show the video “The Day I Became a Refugee,” which follows Ukrainian teens shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion. Assign Analyze a Video to help students record their observations and thoughts.

For Researchers: Have students research one aspect of Ukrainian culture mentioned in the interview that interests them. Ask students to keep track of their sources and prepare a brief presentation highlighting what they learned.

Printable Lesson Plan

Interactive Slide Deck

Text-to-Speech