Grades 1–2
This lesson can be taught in 1–2 class periods.
Lesson Introduction:
The focus for younger students in Women's Suffrage is on citizenship
and the value of voting. Students will read through Effie Hobby's
story and have a chance to ask questions.
As a class, discuss the role of a person in a democracy. Ask
students about the government in the United States and ask how
that government is put into place. Encourage students to talk
about voting, not only for governments but also in their lives.
For example, school elections or even when parents give their
kids a choice on what to eat for breakfast. Write words on the
board like vote, citizen, participate, decide, etc.
Depending on the availability of computers and the class reading
level, read Effie Hobby's story about voting in 1920. You can
do this with a projector or print out the story beforehand, reading
aloud to students as you would a book. Discuss each Think About
It question as you read aloud. If several computers are available
and students are relatively independent readers, have students
grouped around the computer where they can read along as you read
aloud.
Regroup for a class discussion about Effie's story. See Discussion
Starters below.
Discussion Starters
• What does it mean to live in a democracy?
• Why would women ever not have the right
to vote?
• Who has the right to vote today? Who
does not have that right?
• What does it mean to be a citizen?
• Why is it important to vote?
• Why do you think Effie Hobby has voted
in every presidential election?
• How can kids be good citizens?
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