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Nonviolence: Words as Action

Lesson Plan

Nonviolence: Words as Action

Students will analyze key quotes about nonviolence and justice from "March: Book One" to understand the author's purpose and its impact on the reader.

Understanding the power of nonviolence and justice, as conveyed through literature, helps students develop critical thinking skills and connect historical events to contemporary issues. This lesson fosters empathy and encourages students to consider the impact of language on social change.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Through close reading, discussion, and collaborative analysis.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Slide Deck: Words as Action, Copies of Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet (one per student), Copies of Small Group Discussion Prompts (one per group), and "March: Book One" by John Lewis (copies for reference)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Power?

5 minutes

  • Display a blank slide or write on the board: "What does 'power' mean to you?"
    - Ask students to quickly jot down 1-2 words or short phrases that come to mind.
    - Facilitate a brief whole-class share-out (2-3 students).

Step 2

Introduction: The Power of Nonviolence

5 minutes

Step 3

Model Close Reading: Analyzing a Key Quote

15 minutes

  • Display Slide 3 of the Slide Deck: Words as Action with a pre-selected key quote from "March: Book One" related to nonviolence (e.g., "We must meet hate with love.").
    - Distribute the Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.
    - Model a close reading process using the quote:
    - Read Aloud: Read the quote aloud with expression.
    - First Impressions: Ask students: "What's your initial reaction to this quote?"
    - Key Words/Phrases: Identify powerful words or phrases. "What words stand out? Why?"
    - Author's Purpose: Discuss what John Lewis (and co-authors) might want readers to understand or feel. "What message is the author trying to send here?"
    - Impact on Reader: Explore how the quote might affect a reader. "How does this quote make you think or feel?"
    - Guide students to fill in the first section of their Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet as you model.

Step 4

Collaborative Analysis: Small Group Work

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
    - Provide each group with a set of Small Group Discussion Prompts and 2-3 additional key quotes from "March: Book One" (these should be prepared beforehand and ideally written on separate slips of paper or a separate handout).
    - Instruct groups to:
    - Read each quote aloud.
    - Discuss the questions on the Small Group Discussion Prompts for each quote, focusing on author's purpose and impact.
    - Record their analysis for each quote on their individual Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.
    - Circulate among groups to offer support and facilitate discussions.

Step 5

Share Out and Connection

8 minutes

  • Bring the class back together for a brief whole-group share-out.
    - Ask each group to share one quote they analyzed and a key takeaway about its author's purpose or impact.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion connecting the quotes to the broader themes of nonviolence and justice.
    - Ask: "How do these words connect to the idea of 'power' we discussed at the beginning of class?"

Step 6

Cool-Down: My Powerful Words

2 minutes

  • Have students complete the last section of their [Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet](#key-quotes-worksheet] or simply ask them to jot down: "One word or phrase I learned today that holds power is..."
    - Collect the Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.
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Slide Deck

Nonviolence: Words as Action

Exploring the Power of Language for Justice

"We are not afraid." - John Lewis

Today, we'll dive into March: Book One to see how words shape our understanding of nonviolence and justice. Get ready to analyze some powerful quotes!

Welcome students. Display the title slide. Briefly introduce the idea that words can be powerful tools for change, linking to the lesson's focus on nonviolence.

Author's Purpose & Impact

Why did John Lewis and his co-authors write March: Book One?

  • To Inform: Share historical events and experiences.
  • To Persuade: Convince readers about the power of nonviolence and justice.
  • To Inspire: Encourage readers to stand up for what is right.

Impact on the Reader: How does the way a story is told make you feel or think differently?

Emphasize that John Lewis was not just telling a story, but also trying to convey specific messages about justice, fairness, and the right way to achieve change. Ask: Why is it important for an author to have a purpose when writing about serious topics like civil rights?

Model Quote Analysis

Let's closely examine a powerful quote from March: Book One.

Quote: "We must meet hate with love."

Think About It:

  • What words or phrases stand out to you?
  • What message is the author trying to convey?
  • How does this quote make you feel or think differently?

Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the quote. Guide them to identify key words and phrases. Encourage them to think about why the authors chose these particular words and what they want the reader to understand or feel.

Analyzing a Powerful Quote

From March: Book One:

"We are not afraid and we shall overcome."

Your Turn to Analyze:

  1. What is your initial reaction to this quote?
  2. What specific words or phrases stand out to you?
  3. What do you think the authors want you to understand or feel by including this quote?
  4. How might this quote impact a reader? What thoughts or emotions does it evoke?

This slide displays the quote students will analyze. Read it aloud. Give students time to read and think. Then, guide them through the questions on the slide, encouraging them to fill out the first section of their Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet as you go. Focus on modeling the process of thinking aloud about the words and their meaning.

Collaborative Quote Analysis

Now, it's your turn to work together!

In your small groups:

  1. You will receive additional powerful quotes from March: Book One.
  2. Use your Small Group Discussion Prompts to guide your analysis of each quote.
  3. Record your group's ideas and analysis for each quote on your own Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.

Remember to discuss: Author's Purpose & Impact!

Tell students they'll be working in small groups to analyze more quotes. Explain that you will be distributing additional quotes and their Small Group Discussion Prompts. Remind them to record their answers on their own Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet. Circulate to monitor progress and provide support.

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Worksheet

Key Quotes from March: Book One - Analysis Sheet

Name: ____________________________

Section 1: Modeled Analysis

Quote: "We must meet hate with love."

  1. What is your initial reaction to this quote?


  2. What specific words or phrases stand out to you? Why?


  3. What do you think the author(s) want you to understand or feel by including this quote? (Author's Purpose)



  4. How might this quote impact a reader? What thoughts or emotions does it evoke? (Impact on Reader)



Section 2: Small Group Collaborative Analysis

Quote 1: ____________________________________________________________________

  1. What is your initial reaction to this quote?


  2. What specific words or phrases stand out to you? Why?


  3. What do you think the author(s) want you to understand or feel by including this quote? (Author's Purpose)



  4. How might this quote impact a reader? What thoughts or emotions does it evoke? (Impact on Reader)



Quote 2: ____________________________________________________________________

  1. What is your initial reaction to this quote?


  2. What specific words or phrases stand out to you? Why?


  3. What do you think the author(s) want you to understand or feel by including this quote? (Author's Purpose)



  4. How might this quote impact a reader? What thoughts or emotions does it evoke? (Impact on Reader)



Quote 3: ____________________________________________________________________

  1. What is your initial reaction to this quote?


  2. What specific words or phrases stand out to you? Why?


  3. What do you think the author(s) want you to understand or feel by including this quote? (Author's Purpose)



  4. How might this quote impact a reader? What thoughts or emotions does it evoke? (Impact on Reader)



Section 3: Reflection

Thinking about all the quotes we discussed today, what is one new idea or feeling you have about the power of nonviolence or justice?





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Discussion

Small Group Discussion Prompts: The Power of Nonviolence

Directions: For each quote you receive, discuss the following questions with your group. Be ready to share your ideas with the class and make sure to record your individual thoughts on your Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.

Discussion Questions for Each Quote:

  1. First Impressions: What is your immediate reaction or feeling when you read this quote?

    • Think: Does it surprise you? Inspire you? Make you question something?

  2. Key Words & Phrases: Which words or short phrases in the quote stand out the most?

    • Think: Why do these words have an impact? What specific emotions or ideas do they bring up?

  3. Author's Purpose: What do you think John Lewis and his co-authors wanted readers to understand or feel by including this specific quote in March: Book One?

    • Think: Are they trying to teach a lesson? Share a feeling? Motivate action? Explain a belief?

  4. Impact on the Reader: How might this quote affect someone reading March: Book One today?

    • Think: What message might a reader take away? How might it change their perspective or inspire them to act? How does it connect to their own life or the world around them?

  5. Connecting to Nonviolence: How does this quote relate to the idea of nonviolence or the struggle for justice?




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