Lesson Plans for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: Empowering Students Through Historical Fiction

Mildred D. Taylor's powerful novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a must-read for students of all ages. Set in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, the novel tells the story of the Logan family, African American farmers who are determined to keep their land and their dignity in the face of overwhelming racism.

These lesson plans are designed to help teachers guide students through a close reading of the novel. The plans include activities that will help students understand the novel's historical context, analyze its characters and themes, and develop their own critical thinking and empathy skills.

Lesson Plans Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Disha Experts

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Lesson 1: Historical Context

Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the key events of the Jim Crow era.
• Students will be able to explain the impact of racism on African Americans during the Jim Crow era.

Materials:

• Copies of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking students what they know about the Jim Crow era. Write their responses on the whiteboard or chart paper.
2. Next, have students read the first chapter of the novel. As they read, have them pay attention to the ways in which the novel portrays the Jim Crow era.
3. After students have finished reading the chapter, lead a discussion about the following questions:

• What are some of the key events of the Jim Crow era that are mentioned in the novel?
• How does the novel portray the impact of racism on African Americans during the Jim Crow era?

Lesson 2: Character Analysis

Objectives:

• Students will be able to analyze the main characters of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
• Students will be able to identify the character traits and motivations of the main characters.

Materials:

• Copies of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking students to choose one of the main characters from the novel. Some examples include Cassie Logan, Mama Logan, or Papa Logan.
2. Next, have students create a character map for the character they have chosen. The character map should include the character's name, physical appearance, personality traits, and motivations.
3. Once students have completed their character maps, lead a discussion about the following questions:

• What are the key character traits and motivations of the main character?
• How do these character traits and motivations impact the character's actions and decisions?

Lesson 3: Theme Analysis

Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the main themes of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
• Students will be able to analyze how the novel explores these themes.

Materials:

• Copies of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking students to brainstorm a list of the main themes of the novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Some examples include racism,

Lesson Plans Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Disha Experts

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	250 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE