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There is something about Gandhi, his story, the iconic image that he has become that makes him appealing to students. Most of my students had heard of him, but could not actually recognize his image. I have found time and again that when students have an individual they can relate to or see clearly they are able to grasp other more complex ideas and context, if they have that center of a figure. There is a lot of material out there about Gandhi and a decent amount of curriculum as well. I took the content for the biolgraphy and other informaton from this lesson plan. Here is what I've used in the past.
Activity 1:
First Open with an image of Gandhi, ask students what they might already know about him.
Show quick (54 sec) clip of MLK talking about Gandhi as his inspiration.
Or there is a clip (3:32) from the Freedom Riders about the influence of Gandhi on them and other people and events during the civil rights movement.
Activity 2:
Biography and Timeline
Read brief Biography on Gandhi. Have students create a time line of his life on a larger piece of paper or a poster.
Pictorial Timeline of Gandhi
After students complete the activity above creating a timeline out of the biography on Gandhi. Set up a Gallery walk of chronological photos of Gandhi. As students preview this gallery have them answer the following questions. (Gallery photos can be downloaded below.)
1. How was Gandhi dressed as a child?
2. How was he dressed as a teenager?
3. How was he dressed as a lawyer in South Africa?
4. How did his dress change when he returned to India?
5. What do you notice about Gandhi’s dress towards the end of his life?
6. What image of Gandhi is more familiar?
7. Longer response: After reading Gandhi’s biography and looking at pictures of Gandhi, how do you think Gandhi’s change in dress indicated about his ideas?
Activity 3:
Jigsaw - Break up students into 6 groups. Two groups will get one of the three readings: Gandhi’s Accomplishments, Historical and Political Context, or Gandhi’s Lifestyle. Students use the questions provided to help them prepare presentations that they will give to the whole class.
Group 1: Gandhi’s Accomplishments
1. Give a title for each phase of Gandhi’s life. Explain what he was fighting for. Then identify and explain 2-4 accomplishments for each phase of Gandhi’s life.
2. Was there anything else of note that other students in the class should know?
Group 2: Historical and Political Context
1. Explain the following events and issues and how it impacted Gandhi’s life.
2. Is there anything else in the reading that is important for the class to know?
Group 3: Gandhi’s Lifestyle
1. Describe the different elements of Gandhi’s lifestyle.
2. Where did Gandhi and his followers gather strength?
3. Was Gandhi a saint?
4. What were some memorable quotes?
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