The Peacemaker |
| This prompt describes the role Henry Clay played in brokering the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 and then asks students to write about a time that they've played "peacemaker." |
Use this Activity: |
| Objective - This personal reflection helps students relate to historical figures by seeing themselves in the role of a peacemaker, encouraging empathy, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of compromise in both personal and historical contexts. |
| Brainstorm and Discuss - First, remind students who Henry Clay was: the architect of both the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850, both of which brokered a temporary peace between the North and the South. Then, tell students to think of a time when they helped resolve a conflict among friends, classmates, teammates, or family members. What was the disagreement about? How did they get everyone to listen and come to an agreement? Was the solution fair for everyone? How did it feel to be in the middle? |
| Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 30 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work. |
| Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts. |
| Share - Have students share their responses with classmates or, in small groups |