Using the Trial of John Peter Zenger (1735)
to Teach About Freedom of Expression:
A Focus on the Importance of Freedom of Expression

I. LESSON PLAN CONTENT

Materials:

-sample essay that criticizes the government (on transparency)
-overhead projector
-From Colonies to Country, Book Three, The History of US, Joy Hakim
-complete causality chart
-essay sentence paragraph
-Byron Williams Article “Rediscovering Democracy” http://www.workingforchange.com/printitem.cfm?itemid=20178

Day 1: (see resources for handouts)

o Why is freedom of expression important in democratic society? Create a brainstorm web.

o Brainstorm with table groups and figure out what it means. Kids share out and add the additional work.

o For homework, find out about a democratic society. Interview people over the age of 18: “What is your version of a democratic society? What does that mean to you?”

o Table share about the democratic society and create web. Share out with the class the information found in the webs. Add to webs.

o For homework, have students complete assignment that first asks them to identify five important current events involving the United States and then asks them to select one of the events to write aboutt. For the event selected students explain what happened, why it is important, and their opinion about the government response.

Day 2: (see resources for handouts)

o In class the next day distribute made up letter that announces a new school district policy that restricts students’ right to criticize the government. Have students go through their piece of writing and cross out all sentences they think might be critical of the government and violation of the new policy.

o Students edit own essays and read what’s left to a partner. Reflect about the experience. “What’s the problem? I’ll put your complaints on the board and I’ll send it in.” Students write about their thinking/feeling during the activity. Be sure to let them know that this was a simulation, that the letter was not real.

o Teacher background: “I see you are all upset here. As Americans, we’ve grown up with a certain set of beliefs. In early American history, (way before the constitution was written, before we have the rights we do now) the government tried to censor people. Here is a guy who tried to change it.” Read section on Zenger trial in Joy Hakim’s “History of US” (in From Colonies to Country, p.13-16). Show image of Zenger newspaper burning. Start focus p.14 paragraph 3 and end at “then some of Zenger’s friends made a secret trip to Philadelphia.” Students predict what is going to happen at the trial. Continue reading text until page 16.

Important Vocabulary

1. Censorship
2. Libel
3. Jury
4. Trial
5. Apprentice
6. Indentured Servant
7. Governor
8. Pen name
9. Arbitrary
10. Democratic society

o Complete a graphic organizer-causality chart with the students.
o Students create a web with Zenger and 4 categories: People, Places, Cause and Effect, and Events

o Students write a short essay about “Why is freedom of expression important in a democratic society?” (include webs and feelings)

Lesson Follow-Up Ideas:

1. Research contemporary figures who are working to promote freedom of expression (Zenger is like Rosa Parks)

2. Watch the news for a night: 1/3 watch different stations and note what they say and if it could be construed as criticizing the government.

3. Compare and contrast collage: look for pictures of people expressing themselves and people being restricted in their expression

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