Lesson Plans
Alice Paul and Strong Women
Students analyze primary sources and the poem "Alice Paul" by Katharine Rolston Fisher to gain a deeper understanding of women suffragists and to make comparisons with a strong woman that they know. After, students might interview the woman or write a poem about her.
The Importance of Voting
Students consider the importance of voting as they analyze primary sources and the poem “One Vote” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. They then learn more about the connection between poetry and the woman suffrage movement. After, students may investigate a contemporary politician or activist advocating for voting rights and present their findings to the class.
Tactics in the March to Suffrage
Students examine the tactics supporters of the woman suffrage movement used in their long quest to gain the right to vote through primary source analysis, consider the effectiveness of various social movement strategies, and create their own tactical plan to affect change on an issue relevant to their own lives.
Suffrage Strategies: Voices for Votes
Students examine a variety of primary source documents related to the women's suffrage movement to identify different methods people used to influence and change attitudes and beliefs about suffrage for women. Students then create original documents encouraging citizens to vote in current elections.
Signing the Declaration of Their Independence
Students compare and contrast a famous print celebrating the Declaration of Independence with a political cartoon about woman suffrage, then complete a close read of the Declaration's introduction or preamble. After, students create a product of their choosing that provides a commentary on the meaning of that text in the context of today.
The Fight for Women’s Rights
Students investigate the grievances listed in the Declaration of Sentiments presented at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, then research contemporary women in the news to assess the current state of women's rights.
Predicting & Inferring About Woman Suffrage
Link non-fiction literature with primary sources to build background knowledge of what it was like to be a suffragist and discover how women persistently fought for over 100 years until they were granted the right to vote. After, ask students to share a time when they showed persistence.
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.
Science & the Suffragettes
Students evaluate historical claims and the evidence to support them and consider their applicability to today.
Women’s Rights: Seneca Falls & Beyond
Students investigate a key event in the history of women's rights and the importance of commemorating the struggle for equal rights, then consider possible contributions to help ensure a future with greater equality.