Lesson Plan
Thomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library
Lesson Overview | Preparation | Procedure | Evaluation
Overview
Students examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and identify techniques he used to persuade Congress to purchase his personal library. Students consider a selection of Jefferson’s books and then write their own persuasive letters urging the books’ purchase, while considering the question: “Why would Congress need this book to shape or govern the nation?”
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify examples of persuasive writing
- Create a persuasive argument
- Discuss the role of knowledge and learning in the activities of Congress
Time Required
Two class periods
Recommended Grade Level
Grades 8-12
Topics
Government, Law
Presidents
Eras
The New Nation, 1783-1815
National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860
Standards
McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks
Thinking and Reasoning
- Standard 1. Understands and applies the basic principles of presenting an argument
Historical Understanding
- Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective
Language Arts
- Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
- Standard 5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
- Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Civics
- Standard 9. Understands the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, beliefs, and principals of American constitutional democracy