Last updated: February 18, 2022
Lesson Plan
“Little Mexico” and Creating Community
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- HS.H1.4, HS.H3.5, HS.H4.1, HS.H4.4, HS.G2.3, HS.G2.4
Essential Question
How do people form community in challenging circumstances?
Objective
Students will:
Learn about the history of labor in railroads and at Grand Canyon
Learn about “Little Mexico” at Grand Canyon
Discuss the importance of community building and labor rights
Preparation
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The Articles and videos
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Writing materials
Materials
Lesson Hook/Preview
Have students watch this video on the development of the rail system in the United States. Ask students if they can find the train line that goes past the Grand Canyon on the map.
Procedure
Engage:
Have students think about their background knowledge on who built much of the tracks that they saw in the video. Discuss what students already know.
Explore and Explain:
Have students read the “Little Mexico” and Creating Community article. No images of “Little Mexico” at the Grand Canyon exist today. Have students draw what they think the community might have looked like.
If students are interested in learning more, have them read this page Hispanic Workers and Labor History.
Elaborate:
Have students Discuss the following questions with students:
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How did “Little Mexico” create community despite the challenges?
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What rights were being violated by the AT&SF company?
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Do you know of similar labor rights violations at other points in history?
Have students watch this video on Hispanic Americans role in the early labor movement. Then have them watch this short video on Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
Have students form into small groups to discuss the timeline from “Little Mexico” to large scale labor movements. Have them then write a short answer on the following questions:
What is the link between “Little Mexico” and large scale labor movements? What is the link between these historical moments to today? What role does community play in these links?