Are you ready to bring the fiery spirit of labor activism and the fight for workers' rights to your classroom? We’re excited to introduce the Classroom Companion for Roger Holzberg’s The Trial of Mother Jones—a dynamic and thought-provoking resource designed to engage students with the play’s rich history, compelling characters, and timeless themes.
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Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1914 Colorado Coalfield War, The Trial of Mother Jones places students in the heart of the action as audience members turned jurors in a high-stakes union meeting. Through the lens of Mary “Mother” Jones, a fearless labor organizer, the play explores the struggles for justice, fair labor practices, and human dignity, making history come alive in a way that resonates deeply with today’s students.
The Trial of Mother Jones Classroom Companion is packed with creative activities, critical thinking prompts, and opportunities for deep reflection. Whether your students are examining the ethical dilemmas of labor activism or reenacting the fierce debates of the union meeting, this resource will inspire meaningful engagement and discussion.
What’s Inside?
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Pre- and Post-Reading Questions
Ignite students’ curiosity with questions that challenge them to consider the themes of justice, activism, and sacrifice, both in the play and in contemporary issues. -
Character Analysis Activities
Explore the bold personalities of Mother Jones, Clarence Darrow, and John Mitchell through creative tasks like writing persuasive speeches or designing posters that reflect the motivations and conflicts of key characters. -
Investigating Culture and History
Dive deep into the historical context of the 1914 Colorado Coalfield War, connecting students to the labor movement and its lasting impact on American society. -
Exploring Themes and Symbolism
Engage students in analyzing the play’s powerful themes—justice, power, and sacrifice—through projects like creating protest slogans or writing reflective essays. -
Creative Projects
Let students step into the role of playwrights and activists by staging debates, designing their own union badges, or imagining alternate outcomes to the play’s pivotal moments.
Why Use This Companion?
Perfect for high school classrooms, the Trial of Mother Jones Classroom Companion equips educators with the tools to foster critical conversations about activism, morality, and social change. Students will not only connect with the historical events of the play but also reflect on how these themes remain relevant today.
Whether you’re teaching literature, history, or social studies, this resource will empower your students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and engage deeply with the story of Mother Jones and her fight for justice.
Bring the passion of the past to your classroom today—download the Classroom Companion and let the voices of justice inspire your students!