We Wear the Mask Lesson Plan

Life of Dunbar

Kind of Activity:

Research

Objective:

Students will be able to consider how Dunbar's background might be reflected in his poem

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.8

Structure:

Create a collective timeline for the class spanning the years of Paul Laurence Dunbar's relatively brief life—either a physical timeline on chart paper or an online timeline using classroom software. Divide students into two groups. One group should be assigned to research the major events of Dunbar's life, both regarding his writing and his personal life. Where did he live? What was his family life like? Did he marry or have children? What...