The Journey of Voting Rights

Amanda Platt

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Journey of Voting Rights

Explore U.S. voting rights history

Students will explore the historical timeline of voting rights in the United States, focusing on key amendments and legislation. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the evolution of democratic rights and the struggles faced by various groups to gain these rights. It will enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and the importance of voting.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Explore U.S. voting rights history

Materials

Interactive Timeline Worksheet, Discussion Questions, Pens, and Whiteboard and Markers

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what voting rights mean and why they are important.
Ask students if they know when everyone in the U.S. gained the right to vote.
Introduce the lesson's focus on the historical journey of voting rights.

Step 2

Interactive Timeline Activity

30 mins

Distribute the Interactive Timeline Worksheet to each student.
Guide students to map out key events such as the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Encourage students to work in pairs to discuss the impact of each event on voting rights.

Step 3

Class Discussion

15 mins

Use the Discussion Questions to facilitate a conversation about the timeline activity.
Discuss how these historical changes have shaped current voting rights.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on the importance of voting today.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
Highlight the ongoing importance of voting rights and civic engagement.
Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how it might influence their views on voting.

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Worksheet

Interactive Timeline Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students in mapping out key events in the history of voting rights in the U.S. Students will use this to visualize the timeline and understand the impact of each event.

List the key amendments related to voting rights and their years.

Consider the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments.

Describe the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Discuss how these events have shaped current voting rights.

Discussion

Voting Rights Discussion Questions

These questions will help facilitate a class discussion on the historical timeline of voting rights and their impact on society.

Why do you think it took so long for all groups to gain voting rights?

Discuss historical barriers and societal attitudes.

How do you think these changes in voting rights have impacted society today?

Consider the role of voting in democracy and civic engagement.

What can we learn from the history of voting rights about the importance of civic participation?

Encourage students to think about the value of voting and being informed citizens.