Jigsaw: Voting Rights for All

Amanda Platt

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Jigsaw: Voting Rights for All

Explore diverse voting rights struggles

In this lesson, students will engage in a jigsaw activity to explore the voting rights struggles of different groups in the United States, including African Americans, women, Native Americans, and young people. This lesson is important as it highlights the diverse challenges and achievements in the fight for voting rights, fostering empathy and a comprehensive understanding of civic engagement.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Explore diverse voting rights struggles

Materials

Group Research Handout, and Jigsaw Discussion Questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of understanding diverse voting rights struggles.
Explain the jigsaw activity and its purpose.

Step 2

Group Research

20 mins

Divide students into four groups, each assigned a different group's voting rights struggle (African Americans, women, Native Americans, young people).
Distribute the 'Group Research Handout' to guide their research.
Allow students to use textbooks and online resources to gather information.

Step 3

Jigsaw Sharing

15 mins

Reorganize students into new groups, ensuring each group has a representative from the original groups.
Each student shares their group's findings with their new group.
Encourage students to take notes and ask questions.

Step 4

Class Discussion

5 mins

Facilitate a class discussion using the 'Jigsaw Discussion Questions'.
Discuss the similarities and differences in the struggles faced by each group.
Highlight the importance of these struggles in shaping modern voting rights.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Encourage students to reflect on the importance of voting rights for all groups in a democratic society.

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Worksheet

Group Research Handout

This handout will guide each group in researching the voting rights struggles of their assigned group.

What were the key challenges faced by your group in gaining voting rights?

Consider legal, social, and political barriers.

Identify key figures or events that were instrumental in your group's fight for voting rights.

Look for influential leaders and landmark events.

How did the struggle for voting rights impact your group and society as a whole?

Think about both immediate and long-term effects.

Discussion

Jigsaw Discussion Questions

These questions will guide the class discussion after the jigsaw activity.

What similarities did you notice in the struggles faced by different groups?

Encourage students to think about common barriers and strategies.

How did the achievements of one group influence the struggles of others?

Discuss the ripple effects of legislative and social changes.

Why is it important to understand the diverse history of voting rights?

Highlight the value of empathy and comprehensive historical understanding.