The following Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions are best suited for middle school students using this video in an English language arts or social studies lesson. Be sure to modify the questions to meet your students' instructional needs.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame (ELA) What is the purpose of the “main idea” in narrative or informational writing?
Focus (ELA) According to the video, what was the main idea or purpose of the 14th Amendment?
Follow Up (ELA) In a short paragraph, identify and describe the main idea presented in the video segment. Include details supporting the conditions surrounding the creation of the 14th Amendment and why it was necessary.
Frame (SS) What do you know about the Constitution? What is an amendment? What is the purpose of an amendment to the Constitution?
Focus (SS) What population did the 14th Amendment originally intend to protect? Why?
Follow Up (SS) In small groups, research the 13th and 15th Amendments. Based upon what you know about the Civil War and its aftermath, describe how these two amendments in conjunction with the 14th Amendment worked to protect the liberties of former slaves. Would you write any new amendments that could better protect a population within contemporary society, or do you think that the 14th Amendment sufficiently protects the liberties of American citizens?