Historical Speeches
There have been many famous speeches throughout history that have been referred to and quoted time and again. Some of these are listed below with the year they were given. Choose one of these speeches that you would like to read and report on. Before reading it, print out the Pyramid Notes Worksheet at the first Web site. You will need to use this while reading your speech.
Then, go to the Web site that contains the speech you chose. First, read the entire speech without taking any notes. Determine the main idea of the speech. Keep in mind the time it was given and the events taking place in history.
Next, write down the main idea on your worksheet and reread the speech. Then look for the supporting and developing details needed to complete your worksheet.
Finally, use the directions section to summarize what you have read and give your opinion of the speech.
- Pyramid Notes Worksheet
- Declaration of the Necessity of Taking Up Arms - 1775
- Alexander Hamilton on the Adoption of the Constitution - 1788
- Lincoln's First Inaugural Address - 1861
- President Wilson's Address Regarding a Possible Declaration of War On Germany - 1917
- Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech - 1946
| Lesson Name: Historical Speeches | |
| Objective: Students will choose a historical speech to read. They will then fill in the Pyramid Notes graphic organizer with the main idea and supporting details of the speech they chose. They will use the directions section to summarize what they read. | |
| Grade: (6-8) | Lesson Login: historical_speeches |
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Additional disciplines: Computer Skills Social Studies |
Materials: Computer with Internet access Pen Printer |
| Interactive Whiteboard Tip: Instead of using paper for this activity, have students create their book in a word processor. They can type their information and add pictures or clip art to it. These can be shared with the class on the interactive whiteboard. Students can present one of their definitions to the class. | |
