I+Could+Do+That!+Esther+Morris+Gets+Women+the+Vote+-+Reinforcing+Activity


 * I Can Do That! Reinforcing Activity**

Students will create a flipchart/book to highlight the steps that Esther took in order to gain the right to her vote as a woman in Wyoming in the mid 1800’s. The construction of this booklet will help students to see how the government is run directly by the people or through elected representatives and the roles of these individuals in the overall process of elections. Students should first start with different colored paper cut into circles that will form a cohesive booklet allowing them to flip through and examine the information they have written. They should then label each of the pages with the corresponding steps that Esther took to gain her vote. The last step should be on the biggest circle at the bottom of the booklet while the first step should be on the smallest circle at the top of the booklet. On each of these pages, students should address at least these two issues;

1. How does this step in the process highlight how an individual has the ability to influence governmental decisions? 2. How does this step demonstrate the changes that are being made that lead to the eventual vote for women?

Suggested steps to address include: //-Esther calls a meeting with the territorial legislature representatives to speak to the citizens of the county// //-Esther proposes that the winning candidate should introduce a bill letting women vote// //-Esther wins the candidates over and the winning candidate proposes the law to the legislature and governor// //-The governor approves and signs the bill into law//

After constructing the booklet, direct students to reflect on the book and make connections to how the book shows that all citizens have the right and responsibility to influence decisions of the government. Reflect on the importance of laws and their protection of our basic rights and freedoms. How did Esther’s actions lead to the Wyoming vote for women and do you think this set an example for other states to follow?

This book could also be used to teach Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities and History