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Use this post from The Learning Network to engage students in reading, thinking, talking about a historical figure and his connection to today.


Introduce Unfamiliar Vocabulary

    • Display the words, and ask students to talk in small groups to see if they know what the words mean.
    • Have groups share out, and clarify the meaning of each word by explaining the definition of each, and giving students examples and synonyms/antonyms of each.
    • Have students work in small groups to see if they can generate a list of people, events, actions that would illustrate each word and share out with the class.
      • For example, they might say that Billy Graham is an example of a charismatic speaker.
Word
Definition
Synonyms/Antonyms
CHARISMATIC
adjective--

1. Having charisma-- a special personal quality or power of an individual to influence or inspire large numbers of people.

2. Inspiring great enthusiasm and devotion.

3. characterizing Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.


Can you think of charismatic speakers? (Billy Graham, Martin Luther King, Jr.)

magnetic

compelling

captivating


antonyms:
boring
dull
INFLAMMATORY
adjective--
1. Tending to arouse anger, hostility, or passion
2. Fiery, provocative

Can you think of an action or speech that might rile up people? (burning an American flag, gathering a mob to hang someone in the Old West)

rabble-rousing

seditious

inciting

stirring


antonyms:
calming
pleasing
REFORMED
adjective--
1. Changed for the better in behavior
2. Amendment of conduct or belief


Can you think of someone who changed their behavior or beliefs?
converted
turned over a new leaf
transformed
converted

antonyms:
continue
remain


Introduce Topic and HOOK Students


Tell students that February is black history month. Ask them to share names of famous black individuals that have left a lasting impact. Create a list as a class.

Explain that they will read and discuss one such individual: Malcolm X.


Read & Discuss Blog Post or Entire Article

Display and read aloud the the blog post.
  • PAIR and SHARE
    • Have students turn to a partner and summarize to each other the details from the blog post about Malcolm X.
      • Who was he?
      • What did he do that makes him a memorable figure?
      • How did his beliefs change toward the end of his life?
  • Reread the last paragraph and have students discuss in small groups and then share out with whole class:
    • "For many, Malcolm X is a cultural hero and a symbol of black pride and social protest. What does his legacy mean to you? In your opinion, should this complex, self-made civil rights and spiritual leader be remembered for the messages he advocated for a majority of his public life or for the reformed beliefs of his later life?



Vocabulary

  • Return to the vocabulary words. Ask students to explain how Malcolm X relates to each word.