16-Year-Old Ralph Yarl Shot
Ask Students: How does news like this affect the citizens that look like Ralph? What does this tragic event imply about the dangers of racism or bias in our society?
This lesson includes powerful video interview with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. The homeowner, Andrew Lester, has now been charged with two felony counts, including first-degree assault. He was taken into custody today and released a couple hours later after making $20,000 in bail.
Teachers: This story may be difficult for students to process and discuss. Let students know that you, another teacher, a counselor or the principal are available to talk with them if they are feeling upset. These events are traumatic. You may wish to read “Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies” and consider how you might design lessons that engage students through a trauma-informed lens. If you would like tools for discussion around difficult events, including gun violence, see PBS’ Colorin Colorado’s excellent list of resources here.
Read this AP story, Missouri man charged in shooting of Black teenager at his front door with your students.
You may want to watch this story about Missouri law enforcement’s reaction to the shooting and how a crime is determined to be a hate crime featuring a retired FBI agent. We recommend you read the Kansas City Star’s article,‘How do you protect a Black kid?’ Protesters demand justice in shooting of Ralph Yarl, 16.
Discussion Questions
- What do you know about the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl?
- When was Ralph Yarl shot?
- Where did the shooting take place?
- Why did Yarl knock on the door of the house? Why would an adult think to shoot a young person who just knocked on his door?
- How have law enforcement officials reacted to the shooting?
Focus Questions
What do you think is going on in America, culturally and politically, that makes this shooting so much more unique than what happens in most other countries around the world?
Jean Darnell, school librarian in Texas and one of our advisors here at Classroom, created these important questions:
- How does news like this affect the citizens that look like Ralph?
- What does this tragic event imply about the dangers of racism or bias in our society?
- How did the victim finally get help after the shooting?
- What were the responsibilities of others to stop & render aid?
- How do we heal?
News analysis: Who do you want to see interviewed in upcoming stories about Ralph Yarl?
Extension Activity
Discuss with a friend or family member how you are feeling after hearing the story about Ralph Yarl, In your eyes, what does justice look like in this case?
Addressing Gun Violence
Find free K-12 lesson plans and resources for educators, school staff and community members on gun laws, the second amendment, government debates and obstacles, gun violence, and action tools.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
