Revolutionary Characteristics

Summary

Students will use quotes from revolutionaries of various revolutions to come up with a general list of adjectives/descriptors for revolutionaries.

Materials

• Enough copies of quotes so each group has one set
• Chart paper/ butcher paper (1 piece per group)
• Markers

Background for Teachers

Characteristics your students may come up with:

• Strong Beliefs
• Courage
• Persistent
• Angry
• Opinionated
• Confident
• Wants Change
• Motivated
• Hard Working
• Self-Sacrificing
• Endured

Instructional Procedures

1. Split class into groups of 3-4 students and hand out a set of quotes to each group.
2. Explain that each group will need to read all the quotes and then come up with a list of words to describe the people saying these things. Tell each group to assign someone to come up and get a marker and a piece of chart paper.
3. Allow students to read through the quotes and get started. Wander the room and help as necessary.
4. After it seems that the groups are finishing up have the groups share their list with the whole class. Write words shared on the board.
5. Explain to the students that all the quotes are from revolutionaries, in other words people who have been involved in the various revolutions as an encourager of change.
6. Ask the students: Why would revolutionaries need these characteristics? How would these characteristics help them accomplish their goals? Allow this to turn into a discussion.

Extensions

Sort quotes by revolution and then talk about specific revolutionaries and their revolutions.