The Life of Olaudah Equiano Lesson Plan

Memoir

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will analyze the importance of personal narratives in changing the political will of a society.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3

Structure:

Equiano's narrative, besides being his own memoir, was written in the hopes of advancing the abolitionist cause. It was presented to the British parliament and widely read in England. In this activity, students will consider how hearing a personal story can change someone's mind by evoking empathy in the other person.

Have each student think about something that is important to them. It can be a larger political cause, or...