Zoot Suit Lesson Plan

The Real Life of Henry Leyvas

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

to research the story and people on which the play was based; to practice PowerPoint skills

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.7

Structure:

1. As students already know, “Zoot Suit” is closely based on the real life of Henry Leyvas, the real leader of the 38th Street Gang, as well as the real Sleepy Lagoon Murder. Today, students will be researching Henry Leyvas’s life and exploring how Valdez made changes for his play.

2. Divide the class into groups of three. Give the groups 30 minutes to research Henry Leyvas’s life, briefly touching on the Sleepy Lagoon Murder. Then, give the groups...