Lesson Plan - The Fight for Women’s Rights

Watch a Video: The Struggle for Women’s Rights
Discuss: How have U.S. women’s rights changed over time?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• suffrage 
• resolutions

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why the Seneca Falls Convention got nationwide attention.

1. What is the main idea of the section “Not Equal”?
The main idea of this section is that Elizabeth Cady Stanton was frustrated by the inequalities women faced. For example, women could not own property or go to most colleges. Few worked outside the home.
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2. Which of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s resolutions caused a stir?
Stanton’s statement that women should be allowed to vote caused a stir at the convention. The article states that “some people were shocked and angry.”
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3. Based on the sidebar, “Words for Women,” describe two similarities between the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments.
Both documents begin with a statement about belief in equality, and both list examples of unfair treatment.
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FEATURED SKILL: Research
Use the Skill Builder “They Spoke Up” to have students research a woman who fought for equality. 
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