The fourth phase of my unit will once again utilize the information gathered from the previous phase to delve deeper into Gandhi's message of non-violence which was so powerful that it aided not only an entire country in their struggle for independence but also several inspired future leaders like Martin Luther King.
Lesson 1: Interpreting Direct Quotations
Reading Workshop
:
The children will choose one of the following texts to detect direct quotes given by Gandhi as a way to reflect deeply on their meaning and relevance to the idea of non-violent protest:
Tales of Famous Heroes
by Peter and Connie Roop
" I want world sympathy in this battle of Right against Might." (page 33).
Gandhi
by Demi
"The true practice of law is to find the better side of human nature and enter men's hearts" (page 10)
"The force of love by peace always wins over violence." (page 12)
"These people (the sick people abandoned during plague) are my brothers and sisters. Their suffering is my suffering. The whole world is my family." (page 14)
"Nonviolence acts continuously, silently and ceaselessly till it has transformed the diseased mass into a healthy one." (page 20)
Gandhi's dying words: " Rama, Rama, Rama," (I forgive you, I love you, I bless you)."
Writing Workshop
:
The students will pick one quote, which spoke to them and explain its meaning and significance through a short informative paragraph and illustration.
Lesson 2: Point of View
Reading Workshop
:
Watch the movie
Gandhi
, directed by Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley and have students reflect on the effectiveness of Gandhi's message of non-violence, bringing to light his and MLK's assassination which may seem contradictory to their message of non-violence.
Writing Workshop
:
The students will be divided up into two groups. One group will have to come up with arguments for the effectiveness of Gandhi's non-violent movement during the time of India's Independence from Britain. The other group will have to come up with arguments for why the Satyagraha movement was not as effective as a more aggressive, violent protest may have been. The students from each side will engage in a small group debate with two students from each side in each group and share their arguments as articulately and persuasively as possible. Students can be graded on their preparedness, demeanor and ability to listen to each other intently. The group that has the most success can perform for the class as a whole.
