Lesson Plans
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and Migrant Workers
Students analyze primary sources to investigate how the press covered the treatment of sweatshop and migrant farm laborers in the early to mid-1900s. After, students plan an investigative news segment that explores how workers are treated today.
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…
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…
Snap a Photo: Agent of Change
Students consider point of view and purpose while they engage in careful observation of Lewis Hine’s photographs that exposed child working conditions, generate and test hypotheses based on evidence, and reflect on their learning by applying it to related questions about a photographer’s point of view or purpose. Teachers may choose to have students extend…
Congress and Child Labor
Students analyze primary source images and posters to explore why Congress decided long ago that it was important to pass labor laws to protect children, then apply what they have learned by creating their own historical poster. After, students could investigate child labor today or another contemporary issue related to children and make connections by…
Dolores Huerta: Inspiring Civic Responsibility
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working…
Dolores Huerta: Building Coalitions to Affect Change
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working…
Dolores Huerta: Collaborating to Affect Change
Students explore the experiences of Mexican-American farmworkers in the United States and learn about how they – especially through the leadership of Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers – worked with others for improvements in pay and working conditions, as well as respect for their civil rights. Students analyze primary sources that document working…