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Culminating Activity

1917 Family Dinner

In a relaxed setting at the dinner table the controversial topic of women's suffrage enters the discussion. The activity will reflect the age groups and gender issues of the time period.

  • Students will be divided up into groups of five.
  • Each skit will be 5-10 minutes in length.
  • It is up to the teacher to either assign roles or allow the students to choose their own roles.
  • Some suggested roles are as follows:
    • Mother
    • Father
    • Grandmother
    • Grandfather
    • Aunt
    • Uncle
    • Brother
    • Sister
  • Each member needs to have a position on the topic of women's suffrage (either pro, con, neutral).
  • The teacher will remind students that both men and women were for and against women's suffrage.
  • Students will work in groups creating a script, props, stage direction.
  • As the students create their scripts the must infuse material from the website into their presentations, more specifically, readdress the central questions.
  • It is highly recommended that students memorize their lines and dress up. This way they actually become the character.
  • Students will be required to create a title for their skit.
  • Groups will be required to create two to three questions for the audience to answer while they are presenting. These questions will check for the audiences' understanding.
  • Preparation will take multiple days.
  • There should be one day dedicated to a dress rehearsal. This should not be done in front of the other students.
  • On the day of the presentation, the teacher should write the order of skits on the board.
  • Each group will have 2-3 minutes to set up and get organized.
  • Students will present skit.
  • Once the skit is finished the presenters will ask their questions.
  • Teacher will ask additional questions.
  • The next group will set up.