Washington Square Lesson Plan

America’s First Melting Pot

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will be able to utilize technology and research in a multimedia presentation of the novel's setting and events and historical context.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.8

Structure:

New York City was among the first American cities to be described as a “melting pot.” Divide the class into small groups to prepare 5-minute PowerPoint presentations on each of the following 4 topics to describe the vitality of New York City, Henry James’s hometown and the setting for Washington Square, as America’s...