Lesson Plans
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.
Pair the picture book, Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution., with primary sources to have students consider multiple perspectives as they build knowledge of this historic event in LGBTQ+ rights movement. After students can read the summary of the Equality Act, which passed in the House but has not moved out of committee in the Senate, and one or more comments on it published in the Congressional Record. Encourage students who feel passionately about the Equality Act to write to their Senators to share their thoughts.
When Washington Crossed the Delaware
Pair the picture book, When Washington Crossed the Delaware, with primary sources to have students practice close reading of both texts and maps while investigating the events leading up to and following this key accomplishment in the Revolutionary War. After, students can research a current event and create a map based on their learning along with a curator's note that briefly describes its value; create a gallery walk of student work.
All the Way to the Top
Pair the picture book, All the Way to the Top, with primary sources to have students investigate the ideas behind the movement that made the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) possible and the motivations and character traits of a girl who was a part of that movement. After, students can investigate contemporary creatives and activists and/or current legislation related to the ADA and share what they learned with the class and their families.
Let the Children March
Pair the picture book, Let the Children March, with primary sources to have students investigate the beliefs of the marchers and their supporters. After, students can tell the story, in words or pictures, of a march they have participated in or a march they could imagine themselves participating in because they passionately support that cause.
Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights
Pair the picture book, Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights, with primary sources to highlight how one person can influence the thinking of a nation while having students investigate the historical origins of social security. After, students can connect with seniors to share their learning and interview them about their experiences with social security today.
Dangerous Jane
Pair the picture book, Dangerous Jane, with primary sources to have students investigate the peace work of Jane Addams while building vocabulary and examining how perspectives change with time and circumstance. After, students could investigate the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, and/or share in words or pictures how they contribute to a more peaceful community in their school, neighborhood or town.
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
Pair the picture book, Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, with primary sources to have students practice close reading, build vocabulary, and investigate labor activism and one group's fight for shorter hours, increased wages, and more sanitary working conditions. After, students may share, in words or pictures, an example of something they have done or they hope to do to affect change.
A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights
Pair the picture book, A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women’s Rights, with primary sources to have students investigate historical and contemporary depictions of women in the media, especially those running for national office.
Around America to Win the Vote
Pair the picture book, Around America to Win the Vote, with primary sources to have students practice research skills, evaluate sources, and deepen understanding of voting rights, in general, and woman suffrage, in particular. After, students can consider the pros/cons of lowering the voting age to 16.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
Pair the picture book, Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, with primary sources to deepen student understanding of Jim Crow laws and the struggle for civil rights, in general, and voting rights, in particular. After, students can investigate current voting laws in their state.