Lesson Plan 1

ELA1: Evaluate diverse perspectives constructively, critically, and respectfully.

Enduring Understandings

Essential Questions

• Effective communicators read/listen, think, and choose words carefully.
• Effective communicators evaluate the conversation and/or text before they contribute insight or evidence.
• Effective readers and communicators recognize diverse perspectives and understand how they are shaped.
• What are the qualities of a productive and respectful conversation?
• How can I support the ideas that I contribute?
• What factors shape perspective?

SS2: Apply the relevance of historical lessons to a given situation, problem, or challenge.

• Knowledge of the past helps one understand the present and make decisions about the future.
• The study of political, social and economic patterns reveals continuity and change over time.
• History involves interpretation; historians can and do disagree.
• Critical examination and evaluation of data is essential to making informed decisions.
• There are varying perspectives on the meaning of historical events.
• How can studying the past lead to an understanding of the present world and the future?
• What causes change over time?
• Why is there conflict in the world?
• What is worth fighting for?

CC4.W.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Read the Biography of Thomas Kennedy

Read the Declaration of Independence

Read Article VI of the Constitution

Read the First Amendment to the Constitution

After you have read the biography of Thomas Kennedy, choose one of the following ways to show support for the “Jew Bill” he fought so hard to have passed.

Write a poem,

Make a poster,

Or, write a persuasive letter

To show your support of his “Jew Bill”