Lesson Plan

Defying Expectations: Unsung Hero: Marsha P. Johnson and the Stonewall Riots

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The 1960s were a turbulent time, but the charismatic figure of Marshal P. Johnson is often left out of the provocative stories of the era. With primary sources that talk about Johnson and her role in the Stonewall Riots, scholars unpack the gender dynamics of the gay rights movement. Prompts and discussion ideas allow for conversation about how LGBTQ+ history should be taught in schools. 

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Discuss how Stonewall and Johnson should be remembered
  • Investigate how LGBTQ+ history is taught in school after completing the activities
Classroom Considerations
  • Subject matter may not be appropriate for all pupils
Pros
  • Lesson profiles a long-neglected aspect of social history
  • Activities strengthen primary source analysis skills
Cons
  • Some of the activities reference a film that is not included in the resources