Weâre excited to share a new set of free lesson plans for Orphan Train, a historical musical that works especially well in middle and high school classrooms.
Set in the late 19th century, Orphan Train follows a group of children sent west from New York City in search of new homes. The play gives secondary students a concrete, human entry point into big questions about power, reform, displacement, and belongingâwithout simplifying the history or talking down to them.
These free lesson plans were built with secondary teachers in mind. Theyâre flexible, discussion-driven, and easy to adapt whether youâre teaching ELA, theatre, or U.S. history. The focus is on critical thinking and student voice, not plot recall or busyworkâand no theatre background is required.
Inside the lesson plans, youâll find pre- and post-reading discussion questions, character and history investigations, creative activities, reflection prompts, and assessment ideas designed to meet secondary students where they are.
Click above to download the free lesson plans for Orphan Train and bring this thoughtful, student-centered musical into your secondary classroom.