Mural of Thomas Jefferson with his residence, Monticello, in the background.

Thomas Jefferson to Samuel H. Smith, September 21, 1814About this image

Lesson Plan
Thomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library

Overview

Students examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and identify techniques he used to persuade Congress to purchase his personal library. Students consider a selection of Jefferson’s books and then write their own persuasive letters urging the books’ purchase, while considering the question: “Why would Congress need this book to shape or govern the nation?”

Objectives

After completing this lesson, students will be able to:

Identify examples of persuasive writing
Create a persuasive argument
Discuss the role of knowledge and learning in the activities of Congress

Time Required

Two class periods

Recommended Grade Level

Grades 8-12

Topics

Government, Law
Presidents

Eras

The New Nation, 1783-1815
National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Standards

McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks

Thinking and Reasoning

Standard 1. Understands and applies the basic principles of presenting an argument

Historical Understanding

Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective

Language Arts

Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
Standard 5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts

Civics

Standard 9. Understands the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, beliefs, and principals of American constitutional democracy

Lesson PlanThomas Jefferson's Library: Making the Case for a National Library