Dive into the rich tapestry of American history through the inspiring stories of the women featured in "She Persisted." This project invites students to delve deep into the accomplishments and challenges faced by these remarkable women. After choosing a woman from the book, students will craft a visually engaging poster that captures the essence of her life and contributions. Through brief research, creativity, and design, participants will not only learn about their selected figure but also appreciate the broader impact of women on the fabric of American society.
 
NOTE: You do not need to read or use the book She Persisted to assign this project. The correlation is simply that the women mentioned in the book are used as the students' "choices" for their project topic.
 
What is this Resource?
 
This is a mini-project that can be used in conjunction with the read-aloud book She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton. I have used this in the past to supplement lessons on Women's History Month in March, but it can be used any time of the school year to celebrate the achievements of women in America.
 
 
What's Special About It?
 
Can be assigned and completed digitally or as a physical project that combines art, research, and social studies skills.
 
This is meant to be a small project, that does not require a heavy writing load and can give students an opportunity to express their creativity.
 
When I have used this project with my own classes, I have allowed them to choose any woman from the book that they are most interested in and to explore several different research platforms (internet articles, videos, books from the library, textbooks, etc) to find out new information about them.
 
This project ends up being a beautiful bulletin board or classroom display!
 
 
What is Included?
 
One page of simple directions that explains the project and requires no additional prep, aside from reading the book (optional) and making copies!
 
A link to a Google Slides presentation for students to complete the project digitally.
 
An editable version is also included in a PowerPoint file.
 
 
Why This Type of Project is Crucial
 
Promotes Inclusivity and Diversity: By focusing on the achievements of American women, this project emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and highlights diverse figures often underrepresented in traditional curriculums.
 
Encourages Independent Research: Students are given the autonomy to choose a figure, prompting them to engage in independent research and critical thinking as they explore their chosen woman's life and accomplishments.
 
Fosters Creativity and Expression: Designing a poster allows students to combine factual information with artistic expression, catering to diverse learning styles and talents.
 
Builds Empathy and Understanding: Through studying the challenges and triumphs of these women, students can develop a deeper empathy and understanding for the struggles faced by individuals who break barriers.
 
Relevance to Contemporary Issues: The project bridges historical achievements with modern discussions about gender equality and women's rights, making it relevant and engaging for today's students.