Classroom Activities

• Essays--Essay topics on suffrage and the life and times of Susan B. Anthony are included in a separate section in this guide. Also, there is a section with short biographical sketches on the women of the movement. Try a short essay--one to three pages--on these and any other topics of your choice.

• Who is a citizen and who can vote?--During the trial portrayed in the video, there was a legal defense presented by Susan B. Anthony and her lawyer that was based on the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments, along with the 19th amendment that permitted suffrage, are included in a separate section of this guide. Have your students write or talk about who is a citizen and who can vote based on these amendments. They can also debate the issues or have a mock trial.

• Newspaper--Have students produce a women's suffrage newspaper from the 1800s. A front page of a paper may be enough for a small project. Allow two weeks of project time or longer for development of a full newspaper. Assemble a journalistic team, and give each individual a writing assignment.

• The times before--Have students try to imagine what it was like when women were not able to vote. As with many issues, there were both women and men who felt strongly about the issue, but also many who did not care. There were also women who were opposed to suffrage. That may seem strange to today's student, but it happened. Can the students think of issues today where there are opposing views.? Is it good for people to oppose change? To favor change? What if everything were to change? What if nothing were to change?

• The voting letter--An important lesson for students is the value of voting. Have them write a letter to an imaginary friend in another country where citizens are not allowed to vote. Have them explain the meaning of voting. Reverse the approach and have them imagine they are citizens of the country where voting is not allowed. Have them write to an American about their desire to vote.

• An Election--Your class can be involved in a political campaign. There are numerous possible activities in this area. Students can have their own mock elections and campaigns that run parallel to national or regional elections. They can research issues, write position papers, debate topics, etc. All of this can be done with slogans, banners and other election regalia.

• The top ten reasons--People love to make lists. Have them make a list of the top ten reasons they want to vote. They can list the top ten excuses for not voting. This can be humerous, but with a serious lesson. How about the top five reasons women's suffrage has been good for America and the world?

• Cameo Interview/role playing--Have a student take the part of one of the characters in the video, and be interviewed by others in the class. The student needs to prepare for the role, so give the assignment ahead of time--as much as a week in advance--so preparations can be made. Give the role player some specific questions that the class will ask (20 questions are appropriate); parents can help the students research the questions at home to help support the educational experience. Questions asked should reflect a knowledge of the historical events and attitudes of the times. On the day of the interview, younger students may want to dress in a costume of the period to add effect and otherwise enrich the performance. If a video recorder is available, try making a recording of the interview to play back to the class.

• Draw a picture--Give each student a blank sheet of paper and have him or her draw a picture about voting.

• Oral history--The students can interview grandparents or others who have memories of the suffrage movement. Bring community leaders to your class who will talk about issues of freedom.