Both lessons
below are a part of unit for To Kill a Mockingbird. When students enter
the classroom, they have a reading quiz on the pages they read the night before.
They have a chance to review material before the quiz and review questions
immediately after. The history, discussion questions and notes are text to help
them relate the story to history.
Day 1:
Introduction: Give students the heads up that the information that they learn in
this course will be very traumatizing and graphic and that if they feel the need
to leave they may do so at any time.
Activity 1: Listen to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and post lyrics (youtube)..
Activity 2: Notes on lynching *see attached file*
Activity 3: View slide show “Without Sanctuary” and complete discussion
questions *see worksheet*
http://www.withoutsanctuary.org/
Day 2: The story of Emmett Till
Activity 1: Read the story by Henry Hampton on Emmett Till (This includes
accounts from Emmett's cousin Curtis Jones and
reporter James Hicks) show photo before and after photos of
Emmett
Activity 2: Answer discussion questions on "What it means to take a stand"
Activity 3: Compare the similarities and differences of the case first by
identifying the role of the players. Decide in both the Tom Robinson case and
the Emmett Till case, who are the victims, perpetrators, and observers.