Henry David Thoreau Lesson Plans

Students simulate a television show in which they hold a panel discussion of prominent people who have demonstrated their ideas about acquisitiveness versus simplicity as a lifestyle. They conduct research on each member of the imaginary panel in order to become familiar with the details of the person's life. Panel includes five or six experts of a preselected topic as well as a moderator and Henry David Thoreau.

Eighth graders investigate philosophy and meditation techniques by discussing Emerson and Thoreau.  In this philosophical traditions lesson, 8th graders identify the men Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, their work, and their philosophies about life.  Students view presentations in class and write an essay about Thoreau.

Students use this design as an electronic reading and writing guide to Henry David Thoreau's famous essay, "On Civil Disobedience." They use activities to familiarize students with the political issues of Thoreau's time. Comprehension questions are geared to the appreciation of his philosophy while at the same time challenging certain of his ideas. A range of Internet activities allows for a variety of learning styles and levels. On-task time is thus maximized.

Tenth graders evaluate the role and consequences of civil disobedience compared to other forms of protest in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. They use Henry David Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience," to delvelop their knowledge of the concept. Pupils define the term "civil disobedience" and give an example.

Young scholars explore transcendentalism. In this American literature lesson, students examine photographs and documents related to Henry David Thoreau and Walden. Young scholars explore the setting of Walden and interpret excerpts from the work.

Very young learners listen to Henry Works and recognize sequence the story. In this Henry David Thoreau lesson, pre-schoolers view the black and white illustrations in the book and retell the story. A good way to introduce sequence of events!

Ninth graders analyze American literature from the antebellum era of Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. In this American literature activity, 9th graders work in groups to read documents for the activity. Students discuss the three authors and how their works changed society. Students examine an illustration, assume the role of one of the authors, and write an article about the slave picture.

Students analyze Henry David Thoreau's 'On the Duty of Civil Disobedience' and Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." In this civil disobedience lesson, students read Thoreau's essay and answer 6 questions for the lesson. Students read Dr. King's letter and answer 7 questions. Students write an essay using one of the three prompts for the lesson.

Students explore the concept of non-violent resistance. In this political philosophies lesson, students study the political tactics of Mohandas Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, and Martin Luther King, Jr. in order to discover how each of them worked for Civil Rights and environmental movements.

Students read excerpts from the works of naturalists Henry David Thoreau and David Brower, then write about and share their own beliefs regarding wilderness, technology, progress, success and independent thinking. They compose their own credo.