Resources for Teachers
The teaching materials were developed by Kerri D'Alessandro, Schenectady City School District
The teaching materials were developed by Kerri D'Alessandro, Schenectady City School District
Lessons Plans
Below are elementary school lesson plans, one for K-2 students and the other for students in grades 3-5. The lessons are designed to discuss with students the characteristics of leaders, especially political leaders, with an emphasis on gender and leadership.
Both plans are centered around a creative task – drawing a political leader. They contain related class activities that will get students thinking about past and current leaders in the United States. The grade 3-5 lesson extensions also explore gender stereotypes in leadership.
Length of time needed to complete the lesson:
the main Draw a Political Leader (DAPL) activity could be a standalone lesson (~20 minutes)
each additional activity for discussing the drawings as well as the extension activities could be done on the same day or on other days. Completing multiple lessons would take multiple days.
Files for Kindergarten through grade 2:
Files for grades 3-5:
Interactive Read Aloud
Below is an interactive read aloud activity for the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty. It is appropriate for K-5 classrooms.
The book focuses on a girl who creates a positive change in her community. It can expose elementary students to themes of leadership, community service, and diversity.
Reading Guide for Sofia Valdez, Future Prez