1800s Reform Movements and TODAY

Students have been hard at work learning about the different reform movements that took place during the 1800s. Many of the rights gained during these movements impact us today in 2018. Brave, bold, courageous men and woman of all races stood up, advocated, and made our world a better place. 
After learning an overview of movements - students chose one to read a bit more on and create a mini-protest sign that summarized the issue in a creative way. 

Using Harriet Beecher Stowe's technique of bringing EMOTIONAL voice to an issue (author of Uncle Tom's Cabin), students used their research to write an I AM poem. By blending their facts alongside a personified "voice" for their cause, they were able to really make some powerful protest poetry. 
THIS is the world we live in today, we must always remember that if we want change, change starts with us. 


We than discussed how WE are a new generation and that we have a responsibility to stand up for the right, recognize injustice, and protect those who do not have a voice. After brainstorming different political, social, and moral issues of 2018, students chose one that meant a lot to them and did research. 
This idea was and adaption of TeachinginRoom6 activity (she seamlessly blends English and history in her 5th grade classroom!) I simply added an additional research part and required a minimum of three actual statistics, facts, testimonies, etc. to be added to the poem. The poem research and template are available on my TPT. 
The end results were POWERFUL.