About This Lesson
In this 90 minute lesson, students will work on building SEL skills such as self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills while analyzing a primary source. Students will activate prior knowledge and set the stage for learning by completing part of a KWL chart. They will read about foreign policy. They will use that information to analyze an excerpt of a September 2001 speech by President George W. Bush. Three different versions of this primary source analysis activity are provided for differentiation purposes, as well as a glossary. After working individually, students will pair up to discuss their thoughts. Each pair will then get together with another pair to form a small group. The small group will participate in a brief discussion. One representative from each small group will share out to the rest of the class. The lesson will conclude with students completing the “learned” column of the KWL chart, as well as a self-reflection on their speaking and listening skills. Answer keys for all activities are included. This lesson is aligned to the Common Core Standards for History/Social Studies and the Ohio State Content Standards for American Government.
