Description
“The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara is a powerful and eye-opening short story that introduces students to issues of economic inequality, social class, and privilege in American society. Set in Harlem, the story follows a group of children on a visit to FAO Schwarz in New York City, where they are confronted with prices and luxuries far removed from their everyday experiences. The contrast sparks confusion, anger, and reflection, making this text an excellent catalyst for discussion and analysis.
In this lesson plan, students begin with an activating strategy designed to build curiosity and activate prior knowledge through a before-reading word splash. They are then introduced to the story through a PowerPoint presentation that provides background on Toni Cade Bambara, along with targeted academic vocabulary, a vocabulary graphic organizer, and explanations of key slang terms used in the text.
As students read “The Lesson,” they complete literary analysis questions that require close reading and textual evidence, supported by a complete answer key. After reading, students engage in collaborative discussion questions and respond to a reflective journal prompt focused on influential adults and personal experiences. The lesson also includes a cost of living activity that helps students connect the story’s themes to real-world economic realities.
Throughout the lesson, students strengthen their ability to analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in literature. Literary elements emphasized include theme, point of view, dialogue, simile, idiom, characterization, and symbolism, making this resource a strong fit for middle school or high school ELA classrooms focused on social justice, identity, and critical thinking.