The Piano Lesson Lesson Plan

History Lesson: Slavery

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will be able to understand the historical context for the play

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1

Structure:

In order to fully understand the context and setting of The Piano Lesson, it is important to have an overview of the history of slavery in America.

Show the class the following “crash course” on the history of slavery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajn9g5Gsv98 (15 minutes). Tell students to take notes while they watch.

Then, discuss the role of slavery in The Piano Lesson. In what ways are the characters still struggling with the legacy of slavery? What events or...