Women's Suffrage! Every March (Women's History Month) I gather my goodies and get ready to bring various lessons and activities to my students that give them a glimpse of life before women could legally vote. I never do the same thing two years in a row. I have a handful activities that I make certain to include; but I also like to try something new each year as well. You can see some of my past planning for Women's History Month HERE.
The past couple of years I have been reading picture books to my class and choosing specific activities to go along with the books which coincide with the standards we are working on.
These are a few of those picture books:
Around America to Win the Vote
This book chronicles the true story of two suffragists who made their way around 1916 America to spread the word about women's suffrage. Join them (and their cat!) on an unforgettable journey that gives readers a look at travel and social norms during early 20th century America.
My students love this story. They love tracking the path Nell and Alcie take. They love the parties and parades. They especially love the cat! The endearing illustrations heavily infused with yellow keep the tale upbeat and fun during the most challenging parts of the journey.
One way I like to "read" picture books to my class is through videos I find online. I will oftentimes play the video while holding the book, following along, and moving throughout the classroom. It gives students an opportunity to see the illustrations up close while keeping them engaged.
I love the presentation of Around America to Win the Vote by the Pueblo Heritage Museum because it includes a brief overview of some of the vocabulary the students will see and hear in the story. Don't be too surprised if some of your students have no idea what a typewriter is!
The "can't miss" activities for teaching this book include the Evidence Charts and the Challenges Chart. Both activities ask students to use text evidence to support their answers. They are a great way to have students dive back into the text, make connections, and defend their positions.
Click here to see more of Around America to Win the Vote Print and Go Literature Study
Heart on Fire
This text chronicles the true story of when Susan B. Anthony tested the 14th Amendment and voted during the 1872 presidential election. It gives reader's an in-depth look at Anthony's arguements on why it was lawful for her to vote, as well as her subsequent trial at which she was found guilty and fined.
This text draws students in because it describes the events surrounding Susan B. Anthony's voting, arrest, and trial. Each time I read this book, students are flabergasted at the idea it was illegal for women to vote and more so that Anthony was arrested for it!
The "can't miss" activities for teaching this book include the Literary Devices (love the hyperboles!), the Summary, and the Timeline of Events.
Click here to see more of Heart on Fire Print and Go Literature Study.
Two Friends
This story offers an intimate look at what a visit between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass might have looked like. Beautifully crafted using their words within the illustrations, readers get a glimpse into each person's past and how it shaped their goals in life.
I love the simplicity of this picture book. The illustrations and words give the reader an opportunity to examine both Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass; two individuals that appear to be polar opposites yet used their life to fight for the same things.
The "can't miss" activities for teaching this book include the written responses. Two short responses; one that ask students to consider the impact Douglass' publications in The North Star and Anthony's yearly visits to Congress had on the future in America and one that challenges students to think about the excerpts "The right to be free" and "The right to vote". The extended respond includes a graphic organizer where stduents compare and contrast Anthony and Douglass.
Click here to see more of Two Friends Print and Go Literature Study.
With so many amazing choices for Women's Suffrage and Women's History, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or which to choose. I say, they are all correct! If your goal is to bring a little insight to your students about the people and events that have shaped America into the nation it is today, you have met the goal.
Pick a book that appeals to you, choose an activity (or two) that complements the standards you are currently working on, and teach!
If you are looking for a no/low prep resource to prepare reading response activities, check out my Reading Response Worksheets (Any Text | Editable | Digital | Printable). Use them to create the perfect worksheet for ANY TEXT you use! This resource contains everything you need to run your guided reading groups, literature circles, or whole class book study in your upper elementary classroom using classic paper/pencil response or a digital platform! These templates will fit all your reading response needs.
Other Blog Posts You May Be Interested In: