Henry David Thoreau Lesson Plans

Students begin with a journal entry on the topic "Why does Ralph Waldo Emerson advocate self-reliance?" They listen to Gavin Degraw's "I Want to Be." Students write their interpretation of the song. Students write an essay about Liars and Imposters.

Students reflect upon how Transcendentalism focuses on individualism. From their belief that God was within every person to their steadfast belief that every man should make decisions based on personal moral values, individualism was stressed in their lives. Thoreau and Emerson wrote extensively on what it means to be an individual, what it means to conform, and how difficult nonconformity is.

Eleventh graders explore Gandhi's philosophy links to the works of American Transcendentalists Emerson and Thoreau. In this transcendentalism activity, 11th graders discuss essential questions about civilization and modernity.

Students identify and employ non violent methods/tactics to bring about social change as exemplified in hip hop culture. They examine hip hop as a form of political activism.

Tenth graders view paintings to determine the identity of the United States in a specific time period. As a class, they listen to their teacher give the title of the painting and they write a prediction about what the painting might be. In groups, they state what they believe to be the story of the painting and who it was made for.

Students play the role of naturalist in their own community just as Thoreau was in his. They observe their communities looking for positive and negative aspects on the environment. They work together in groups to complete a model for their community.

Pupils study American transcendentalism through readings of Emerson and Thoreau. They make cognitive connections to the similarities to Buddhism in these writings. The connection of the literary movement is explained in the art of the time also.

Students research Muhammad Ali's act of civil disobedience. In this civil disobedience lesson, students research Ali's defiance of the Vietnam War draft and compare his reasoning to Martin Luther King's thoughts on the war. Students debate nonviolent action and write a response to Ali's violent/nonviolent nature in his life and draft resistance.

Students receive a list of suggested reading by grade level.  In this secondary reading instructional activity, students are given a list of suggested readings for grades 7 through 12.  Included are novels, short stories, drama, and essays.

Eleventh graders analyze the methods and goals of the Abolitionists in their crusade against slavery.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders compare and contrast opinions of supporters and opponents of abolitionism.  Students evaluate the extent to which militancy helped or hindered the abolitionist cause.