Nelson Mandella / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of Nelson Mandela's life, his contributions to the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and the importance of perseverance and leadership in achieving justice and equality.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and colored pencils or markers
  • A quiet space for reading and discussion
  • A timer (optional, for timed activities)
  • Knowledge of basic facts about Nelson Mandela's life and achievements

Activities

  • Story Time:

    Start the lesson by reading a brief biography of Nelson Mandela. Discuss key events in his life, such as his early years, his activism against apartheid, and his presidency. Encourage the student to ask questions as you go along.

  • Creative Drawing:

    After learning about Mandela, have the student draw a picture that represents a key moment in his life, such as his time in prison or his inauguration as president. Ask them to explain their drawing and why they chose that moment.

  • Role-Playing:

    Engage in a role-playing activity where the student pretends to be Nelson Mandela. They can practice giving a speech about freedom and equality. You can help by providing some key points to include in the speech.

  • Reflection Journal:

    End the lesson with a reflection journal activity. Ask the student to write about what they learned about Mandela and how they can apply his values of perseverance and leadership in their own lives.

Talking Points

  • "Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa. He grew up in a time when the country was divided by a system called apartheid."
  • "Apartheid was unfair because it meant that people were treated differently based on the color of their skin. Mandela fought against this injustice."
  • "He spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs! Can you imagine being away from your family and friends for that long?"
  • "After being released, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa in 1994. This was a huge step towards equality!"
  • "Mandela once said, 'It always seems impossible until it is done.' This means that we should never give up, even when things are tough."
  • "He believed in forgiveness and working together, even with people who had hurt him. This is a powerful lesson for all of us."