Zoot Suit Lesson Plan

Historical Context: Zoot Suit Riots

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

To explore the play’s historical context; to learn about the racial tensions surrounding the Zoot Suit Riots in 1940s Los Angeles Time:

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1.A

Structure:

1. “Zoot Suit” was written in 1978 but is set in the early 1940s in Los Angeles. Explain to the class that it is first important to learn a little about the time the play is set. Show the class the following short video. Ask the class to write down their immediate responses to the videos, either while the video is playing or afterwards for about 5 minutes....