Lesson Plan
The Power of Nonviolence
I can 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 helps students grasp historical movements, develop critical thinking about social change, and connect literature to real-world issues of justice and activism.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Close reading, collaborative analysis, and discussion of key quotes.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Copies of Slide Deck: Words as Action, Copies of Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet, and Copies of Small Group Discussion Prompts
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Lesson Plan and all generated materials.
- Ensure copies of Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet and Small Group Discussion Prompts are ready.
- Prepare whiteboard or projector for displaying quotes and instructions.
- Familiarize yourself with key themes and quotes from "March: Book One" related to nonviolence and justice.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What is Nonviolence?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'nonviolence'?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their initial thoughts and definitions.
- Introduce the concept of nonviolence as a powerful tool for change, leading into the lesson's focus.
Step 2
Introducing "March: Book One" and Author's Purpose
10 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck: Words as Action to introduce "March: Book One" and its historical context.
- Discuss the concept of 'author's purpose' – why an author writes something and how they use language to achieve that purpose.
- Model how to identify powerful language and its intended effect on the reader using a simple example (not from the book).
Step 3
Quote Analysis: Guided Practice
15 minutes
- Display a key quote about nonviolence from "March: Book One" on the board (e.g., from Slide Deck: Words as Action).
- Guide students through a close reading of the quote, focusing on specific words and phrases.
- Model how to complete the first section of the Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet as a class, discussing the author's purpose and the impact of the language.
Step 4
Small Group Work: Collaborative Analysis
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with additional key quotes (from the Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet) and the Small Group Discussion Prompts.
- Instruct groups to analyze their assigned quotes, completing the worksheet sections and preparing to discuss their findings.
- Circulate to provide support and facilitate deeper thinking.
Step 5
Share Out and Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have each group share one key insight or a powerful word/phrase from their analysis.
- Conclude by reiterating the enduring power of nonviolence and the importance of understanding an author's message in historical narratives.
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Slide Deck
Words as Action: The Power of Nonviolence in "March: Book One"
Exploring how words inspire change and understanding the author's message from impactful texts like "March: Book One" by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.
Welcome students. Introduce the idea that words can be powerful and set the stage for discussing nonviolence and its role in literature.
What is Nonviolence?
What does this word mean to you?
How can it be a powerful force?
Prompt students with the question and allow a few moments for silent reflection, then open up for a brief discussion. Connect their ideas to the concept of active, peaceful resistance.
Meet "March: Book One"
A graphic novel by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.
It tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of Congressman John Lewis.
Authors write for a reason: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express. Today, we'll look at why they chose certain words.
Introduce the graphic novel and its significance. Briefly explain the concept of author's purpose (to inform, persuade, entertain, express).
Author's Purpose & Powerful Language
Authors use specific words to make us feel, think, and understand.
How do their words reveal their purpose?
How do they impact us as readers?
Explain that authors carefully choose words. Use a simple, non-controversial example to show how word choice changes meaning and impact.
Key Quote 1: Guided Analysis
"We are not afraid and we have a right to vote!"
- Young John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
What powerful words do you notice?
What message is the author trying to convey about nonviolence or justice?
Display the first key quote for guided practice. Encourage students to look for strong verbs, impactful adjectives, or phrases that convey a clear message about nonviolence or justice.
Your Turn: Small Group Analysis
In your groups:
1. Read your assigned quotes from the Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet.
2. Discuss the author's purpose and the impact of the language.
3. Use the Small Group Discussion Prompts to guide your conversation.
Explain the small group activity. Direct students to their worksheets and discussion prompts. Emphasize collaboration and thoughtful analysis.
Reflect & Connect
What was one powerful word or idea your group discussed?
How do these quotes about nonviolence connect to larger ideas of justice and making change in the world?
Bring the class back together for a brief share-out. Ask groups to share one key takeaway or a particularly impactful word/phrase they analyzed. Reinforce the main objective.
Worksheet
Key Quotes from March: Book One Analysis Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions: Read each quote carefully. Identify powerful words and phrases, then analyze the author's purpose in including this quote and its impact on you, the reader.
Quote 1: Guided Practice
"We are not afraid and we have a right to vote!"
- Young John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases: What words or phrases stand out to you in this quote?
2. Author's Purpose: Why do you think the author included this quote? What message are they trying to convey about nonviolence or justice?
3. Impact on Reader: How does this quote make you feel or think? What is its impact?
Quote 2: Small Group Analysis
"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."
- John Lewis (often attributed)
1. Powerful Words/Phrases: What words or phrases stand out to you in this quote?
2. Author's Purpose: Why do you think the author included this quote? What message are they trying to convey about nonviolence or justice?
3. Impact on Reader: How does this quote make you feel or think? What is its impact?
Quote 3: Small Group Analysis
"The Way of Love is not a weak or passive way. It is the Way of Nonviolence which is the way of the strong."
- Martin Luther King Jr. (quoted in "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases: What words or phrases stand out to you in this quote?
2. Author's Purpose: Why do you think the author included this quote? What message are they trying to convey about nonviolence or justice?
3. Impact on Reader: How does this quote make you feel or think? What is its impact?
Quote 4: Small Group Analysis
"We were determined to stay peaceful in the face of violence."
- John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases: What words or phrases stand out to you in this quote?
2. Author's Purpose: Why do you think the author included this quote? What message are they trying to convey about nonviolence or justice?
3. Impact on Reader: How does this quote make you feel or think? What is its impact?
Discussion
Small Group Discussion Prompts: The Power of Nonviolence
Instructions: Use your completed Key Quotes from March Analysis Sheet to guide your discussion. Share your thoughts, listen respectfully to your group members, and be prepared to share some key takeaways with the whole class.
Discussion Questions:
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Which quote from your worksheet resonated most with your group, and why? What made it powerful?
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How does the specific language used in these quotes (e.g., words like "afraid," "right," "trouble," "strong," "peaceful") contribute to the author's overall message about nonviolence and justice?
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Think about the phrase "Words as Action." In what ways do these quotes demonstrate that words themselves can be a form of action or lead to action?
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Based on these quotes, how would you describe the relationship between nonviolence and strength? Is nonviolence a sign of weakness or strength, according to these texts?
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Can you think of any examples from history or current events where words or nonviolent actions led to significant change? Share with your group.