Lesson Plan for Teaching Eighth Graders about the French in the New World

 

Lesson Plan for Teaching Eighth Graders about the French in the New World: 

 

I. Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe the reasons for French exploration of the New World.
• Students will be able to identify key French explorers and their contributions to the New World.
• Students will be able to explain the impact of French colonization on the New World.

II. Materials:

• Textbook or online resources about French exploration of the New World.
• Maps of the New World during the time of French exploration.
• Images of French explorers and their ships.
• Worksheets or graphic organizers for note-taking and summarizing information.

III. Procedures:

1. Introduction:

• Ask students what they know about French exploration of the New World.
• Provide a brief overview of the reasons for French exploration, such as the search for new trade routes and the desire to spread Christianity.
• Show maps of the New World during the time of French exploration and point out the areas where the French established colonies.

2. Key French Explorers:

• Introduce key French explorers, such as Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, and René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle.
• Provide information about their voyages, discoveries, and contributions to French colonization.
• Show images of their ships and the areas they explored.

3. Impact of French Colonization:

• Discuss the impact of French colonization on the New World, such as the establishment of fur trade networks and the spread of French culture and language.
• Compare and contrast the French colonies with other European colonies in the New World.

4. Summarizing Information:

• Provide worksheets or graphic organizers for students to take notes and summarize information about French exploration of the New World.
• Have students share their summaries with the class.

IV. Assessment:

• Assess students' understanding of French exploration of the New World through class discussions, worksheets, and graphic organizers.
• Have students write a short essay or create a presentation about the impact of French colonization on the New World.

V. Extension Activities:

• Have students research and compare the impact of French colonization with other European colonizers in the New World.
• Have students create a timeline of key events in French exploration of the New World.
• Have students create a map of French colonies in the New World and label key cities and landmarks.