The Power of Nonviolence Lesson Plan The Power of Nonviolence
Lesson Plan • 6th Grade Social Studies/ELA
50 Minutes
Learning Objective
"I can analyze key quotes about nonviolence and justice from 'March: Book One' to understand the author's purpose and its impact on the reader."
Teacher Preparation
• Review lesson plan and materials.
• Prepare copies of Analysis Sheet and Discussion Prompts.
• Ready whiteboard or projector for display.
• Familiarize yourself with key themes of "March: Book One".
Why This Matters
Understanding the power of nonviolence helps students grasp historical movements, develop critical thinking about social change, and connect literature to real-world issues of justice and activism.
Approach
Close reading, collaborative analysis, and discussion.
Required Materials
Whiteboard or projector
Markers or pens
Slide Deck: Words as Action
Analysis Sheet (Key Quotes from March)
Small Group Discussion Prompts
Instructional Sequence
5m
Warm-Up: What is Nonviolence?
Ask: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'nonviolence'?"
Facilitate brief discussion; encourage students to share initial thoughts.
Introduce nonviolence as a tool for change.
10m
Introduction & Author's Purpose
Use Slide Deck to introduce historical context of "March: Book One".
Discuss Author's Purpose : Why authors write and how they use language.
Model identifying powerful language using a simple, non-book example.
15m
Quote Analysis: Guided Practice
Display Quote 1 from the Slide Deck .
Guide students through close reading, focusing on specific phrases.
Model the first section of the Analysis Sheet together as a class.
15m
Small Group: Collaborative Analysis
Divide students into small groups.
Provide remaining quotes and the Discussion Prompts .
Students analyze assigned quotes and prepare to share findings.
Circulate to facilitate deeper thinking.
5m
Share Out & Wrap-Up
Each group shares one key insight or powerful phrase.
Reiterate the enduring power of nonviolence and the importance of author's message.
Words as Action Presentation Slides Words as Action
The Power of Nonviolence in March: Book One
Exploring how words inspire change and understanding the author's message.
Discussion
What is Nonviolence?
What does this word mean to you?
How can it be a powerful force?
Take a moment to reflect before we share.
Meet "March: Book One"
MARCH
Book One
A graphic novel by John Lewis , Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.
Tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of Congressman John Lewis.
Authors write for a reason: Author's Purpose . We look at why they choose certain words.
Author's Purpose & Powerful Language
Authors use specific words to make us feel , think , and understand .
How do their words reveal their purpose?
How do they impact us as readers?
Key Quote 1: Guided Analysis
Practice Together
“
"We are not afraid and we have a right to vote!"
— Young John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
1
What powerful words do you notice?
2
What message is being conveyed about nonviolence or justice ?
Your Turn: Small Group Analysis
1 Read your assigned quotes from the Analysis Sheet .
2 Discuss the author's purpose and the impact of the language.
3 Use the Discussion Prompts to guide your conversation.
Reflect & Connect
What was one powerful word or idea your group discussed?
How do these quotes connect to larger ideas of justice and making change?
"You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any power — dampen or dim your light." — John Lewis
Key Quotes Analysis Worksheet Key Quotes from March
Analysis Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read each quote carefully. Identify powerful words and phrases, then analyze the author's purpose in including this quote and its impact on you, the reader.
Quote 1
Guided Practice
"We are not afraid and we have a right to vote!"
— Young John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases
2. Author's Purpose
3. Impact on Reader
Quote 2
"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."
— John Lewis
1. Powerful Words/Phrases
2. Author's Purpose
3. Impact on Reader
Quote 3
"The Way of Love is not a weak or passive way. It is the Way of Nonviolence which is the way of the strong."
— Martin Luther King Jr. (quoted in "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases
2. Author's Purpose
3. Impact on Reader
Quote 4
"We were determined to stay peaceful in the face of violence."
— John Lewis (from "March: Book One")
1. Powerful Words/Phrases
2. Author's Purpose
3. Impact on Reader
Small Group Discussion Prompts The Power of Nonviolence
Small Group Discussion Prompts
Instructions
Use your completed Analysis Sheet to guide your discussion. Share your thoughts, listen respectfully, and be prepared to share key takeaways with the whole class.
01
Which quote from your worksheet resonated most with your group, and why? What made it powerful?
02
How does the specific language used (e.g., words like "afraid," "right," "trouble," "strong," "peaceful") contribute to the author's message?
03
Think about the phrase "Words as Action." In what ways do these quotes demonstrate that words themselves can be a form of action?
04
Based on these quotes, is nonviolence a sign of weakness or strength? Explain your reasoning.
05
Can you think of any examples from history or current events where words or nonviolent actions led to significant change?
"Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
