Lesson 1: Social Movements
By: Tina Gersdorf, M.Ed.
2010 Fellowship
Tennessee State Library and Archives
(1 day)

Abstract

Students have various levels of background knowledge on a wide variety of issues. Some may know about issues in their community, others know of issues in their country, and others still are familiar with issues around the world. A number of students may also be able to discuss issues within all three spheres. As well, they will have differing opinions on these topics and are likely to feel strong emotions about at least one issue. In this lesson, that background knowledge and personal ideology will be brought out as a way to provide a connection from the unit to the students.

Assessment

Observation through discussion, vocabulary activity

Procedure

1. Most students will be, at least slightly, familiar with the Civil Rights Movement and Dr King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Play the video, or a clip of it, for the students at the beginning of the class. (you may find it in many places on line, but here are a two locations: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm or http://www.mlkonline.net/sounds.html).

2. Ask the students:

a. What was that a video of?

b. Why were those people there?

c. What was Dr. King talking about?

Direct students toward discussing people fighting for equal rights and why they were fighting for this.

3. Ask the students:

a. if there are any issues within their community that they wish could be changed.

b. if there are any issues within the country they wish could be changed.

c. if there are any issues within the world they wish could be changed.

4. As each of these questions are addressed, allow for natural conversations to be had. Directions may include:

a. What can people do to change it?

b. Why is it like it is now?

c. Why do some people disagree with certain issues? (point out, here, that in this lesson, there may be some disagreements, but the expectation is to remain respectful of people’s opinions).

d. How do the students even know about these issues? (parents, news, internet, billboards, TV, personal experience…)

5. Provide students with the vocabulary worksheet and provide the definitions, clarifying any misunderstandings. Allow time to work on this or assign it as homework.

Vocabulary: (from dictionary.com and kids.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary)

- Social movement: a group of people with a common ideology who try together to achieve certain general goals

- Ideology: the body of ideas reflecting the social needs and goals of an individual, group, class, or culture.

- Cause: a principle, ideal, goal, or movement to which a person or group is dedicated