Scholars write letters as if they were someone who heard the story of John Brown's raid. The resource, a standalone, covers information from primary sources that is important to West Virginian history: the Harpers Ferry Letters.

Concepts

primary source analysis, john brown, abolitionists, the abolitionist movement

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Differentiate for English learners by allowing them to work in groups
• Flip the lesson by assigning the letter writing portion as homework

Classroom Considerations

• Requires access to devices with Internet connection 

Pros

• Teaches middle and high schoolers about the subjectivity of history and primary sources 
• Builds writing skills, media literacy, and the ability to analyze multiple points of view

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.6 RH.9-10.6 RH.11-12.6