Lesson Plan

Tinker v. Des Moines

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Freedom of speech allows anyone, even those in school, to say and do what they feel—right? The 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines serves as the backdrop for a study on First Amendment rights. Scholars use a short video along with small group work to analyze the Tinker case and understand how far freedom of speech actually goes in the world of public opinion. Using what they have learned, opinions of the court allow scholars to support their own beliefs as to who agrees and disagrees on the issue of free speech as it came to the court in 1969. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Assign quick two-minute video as a preview for the Tinker v. Des Moines case
  • Brainstorm how scholars use freedom of speech in school 
Classroom Considerations
  • Calls for teachers to pause the video for Stop and Think moments
Pros
  • Contains audio and visual aids for differentiated instruction 
  • Printable worksheets and materials help young historians understand the concept
Cons
  • None