The Undefeated

In this activity, students will engage in a research project and teach a lesson about one historical figure from Alexander’s poem.

Alexander includes many historical figures in his poem. Some, like Martin Luther King, might be a figure you recognize, but others, like Zora Neale Hurston, might not be.

Choose a figure you would like to learn more about. Use scholarly resources to research this figure. Your research should include major events in the person’s life, accomplishments, struggles, and their importance in the history of America.

After researching, present your findings to the class in the form of a micro lesson.

• Prepare a 2–3-minute presentation of information you have learned. A spoken presentation is a good method for teaching classmates who enjoy learning by hearing, but you might want to include slides or a visual aid for classmates who enjoy learning by seeing.
• Plan an activity for your classmates so that they can utilize the information you have presented to them. Think about the accomplishments and talents of the figure you researched in designing your activity. For example, if your lesson is on a poet, you might have your classmates read and discuss a poem by that figure.
• Present your lesson to classmates. Be sure to participate in each lesson presented by others.

Once each class member has presented their lesson, discuss as a group some of the common traits shared by the key figures.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity may be beneficial in prompting students to engage with and focus on the celebratory and empowering aspect of Alexander’s poem. In the interest of instructional time, small groups might work together to share duties and conduct lessons. Another activity example you might offer or assign: A group or individual presenting a lesson on Muhammad Ali might have their classmates read some of Ali’s poetic descriptions of himself, then create their own poetic descriptions of themselves.

Differentiation Suggestion: Learners with a particular interest in writing, art, sports, or other area might be encouraged to select a key figure whose accomplishments align with that interest. For students who would benefit from an alternate approach, a written lesson plan might replace the presentation. Students with processing or executive functioning challenges might benefit from a series of questions to guide their research; those questions might then be adapted in some way by the student to serve as the lesson’s activity.