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Should Washington's NFL Team Change Their Name? Lesson PlanShould Washington's NFL Team Change Their Name? Lesson Plan
Publisher
Anti-Defamation League
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
8th - 12th
Subjects
Social Studies & History
5 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
3 more...
Technology
Video
Year
2020
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

Should Washington's NFL Team Change Their Name?

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Should Washington's NFL Team Change Their Name? lesson plan also includes:
  • Should Washington's NFL Team Change Their Name? (.html)
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  • Activity
  • Informational Text
  • Graphic Organizer
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"What's in a name?" Is it irrelevant, as Juliet suggests in Shakespeare's play, or is nomenclature deeply significant? Young scholars weigh in on the debate by examining the controversy over the NFL's Washington, D.C. Redskins. Groups read articles with different perspectives, then engage in a jigsaw activity where they share what they have learned from their readings. Individuals then craft an argumentative essay that presents their stance on the controversy supported by evidence from the readings.

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CCSS: Designed

Concepts

stereotypes, native american culture, native american history, native americans, symbolism, trademarks, controversial topics, identity, football, sovereignty, argumentative writing, evidence, supporting evidence, bias, diverse perspectives

Instructional Ideas

  • Have groups investigate the controversies over the names of other high schools, colleges, and national  sports teams
  • Set aside extra prep time to prepare the many required materials

Classroom Considerations

  • Since the Washington, D.C. NFL team changed its name to the Commanders in February 2022, consider using the Atlanta Braves for the focus of the lesson instead
  • Requires projection equipment for the video
  • Presumes a protocol is in place to permit a safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues

Pros

  • The linked resources present multiple viewpoints on the controversy
  • Includes a graphic organizer that helps writers craft their argumentative essay

Cons

  • None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.2 CCRA.W.1 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.SL.1

View 87,125 other resources for 8th - 12th Grade Social Studies & History

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