Teaching students about prominent historical figures is important for fostering an understanding of our world’s past and present. One such figure is Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Her advocacy for social justice and her dedication to a life of public service make her an important role model for young learners. This article aims to instruct teachers on how to develop lessons that explore the life and work of this inspiring figure.
Biography
To teach students about Ethel Kennedy, it is necessary to first provide some background information on her life. Born Ethel Skakel in 1928, she grew up in a wealthy family in Chicago. She attended Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, where she studied English Literature. In 1950, Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy, who later became a prominent political leader and senator.
As the wife of a politician, Ethel was known for her support of various causes that aligned with her husband’s political career. However, she also had her own interests and passions, such as working for social change and promoting racial equality.
Social Justice Advocacy
After Robert’s assassination in 1968, Ethel continued his work by supporting numerous charitable organizations and initiatives focused on social justice. Teachers may wish to focus their lesson plans on some of these important initiatives:
1. The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights: Established by Ethel in 1968, this organization aims to advance social justice around the world through several means including human rights education.
2. The RFK Assassination Archive: Presently housed at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, it was created by Ethel Kennedy herself as part of her commitment to ensure future generations understand the impact of her husband’s life and work.
3. The Healthy Athletes program within Special Olympics: This organization works to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities. Ethel has been a longtime supporter and board member.
Teaching Strategies
When teaching students about Ethel Kennedy, teachers may employ the following strategies:
1. Interactive storytelling: Utilize text, images, and multimedia materials to tell the story of Ethel Kennedy’s life and work. This approach helps to engage students more effectively than a traditional lecture format
2. Group projects: Divide students into small groups to research different aspects of her life, such as her family background, her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, her activism, and her work for social change after her husband’s death.
3. Role-playing: Have students assume the roles of various people who were part of Ethel’s life (e.g. family members, political figures) in order to explore how they might have interacted with her or been influenced by her actions.
4. Debates: Organize debates on various social issues that Ethel supported or promoted (e.g., civil rights, equality for women, improving lives for those with intellectual disabilities) in order to engage students in critical thinking and meaningful discussions.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Ethel Kennedy is essential for imparting a deeper understanding of history and fostering an appreciation for individual contributions to social justice. By incorporating various teaching methods and exploration of her life’s work, educators can inspire young learners to reflect on their own potential roles in championing change within society.
