Linda Sorenson

This lesson, “Reconstructing the South: A Role Play,” provided the real life relevancy needed by my students to grasp the concepts. The concepts of slavery and the freedmen is extremely difficult for my students. By using this lesson they started to question and critically think about this difficult period of the freed slaves. The primary documents and situations focused on Reconstruction topics that have been difficult to make relevant. I loved, loved, loved the interaction and especially the level of inquiry of this topic.

I teach 8th grade in Holmen, Wisconsin. Although a small town, there are racial issues, discrimination, and prejudice. With this activity, we had an honest conversation about discrimination and overall racism. This lesson led to broader discussions among my students as well as at home. Thank you for putting this lesson together.