Topdog/Underdog Lesson Plan

Lincoln and Booth vs. Lincoln and Booth

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will be able to gain a greater understanding of the symbolic meaning of the play through research into its historical references

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4

Structure:

Discuss the names of the characters with the class. Who are the brothers named for? What do the students know about the real Lincoln and Booth?

Students should then be divided into pairs. Each pair will conduct research into the life Abraham Lincoln, and his assassination by John Wilkes Booth, filling out a worksheet about their discoveries.