Lesson Plan - The Fight for Women’s Rights

Watch a Video: The Struggle for Women’s Rights
Discuss: How have U.S. women’s rights changed over time?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• suffrage
• resolutions

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why the Seneca Falls Convention got nationwide attention.

1. What is the main idea of the section “Denied Their Rights”?
The main idea is that Elizabeth Cady Stanton was frustrated by the inequalities women faced. Women rarely worked outside the home and could not attend most colleges or own property.
^{R.2 Main Idea}

2. According to the article, which of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s resolutions caused a stir? How did she respond?
Stanton’s statement that women should be allowed to vote caused a stir and made some people angry. But the article notes that Stanton “refused to remove that wording.”
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

3. Based on the sidebar, “A Call for Equality,” describe two similarities between the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments.
Both documents begin with a statement about belief in equality, and both list examples of unfair treatment. 
^{R.5 Comparison}

FEATURED SKILL: Research
Use the Skill Builder “They Spoke Up” to have students research a woman who fought for equality. 
^{R.9 Research/Integrating Information}