Investigating an Icon of the Great Depression: the Migrant Mother

In this lesson students will consider what they know about a famous photograph from the Great Depression. They will analyze and discuss this primary source before investigating several different viewpoints on how the photograph came to be taken. Students will then write an essay discussing how this contextual information has affected how they understand the image.

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Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.10: By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.2: Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.3: Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.8: Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts, including the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.5: Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.7: Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.10: By the end of grade 11, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 11-CCR text complexity band...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.2: Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.5: Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.7: Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9: Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.10: By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.7: Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.9: Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (e.g., how Shakespeare treats a theme or topic from Ovid or the...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5: Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CLE 3001.2.5: Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
CLE 3001.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3001.5.1: Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
CLE 3001.5.2: Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
CLE 3001.5.3: Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
CLE 3001.5.4: Analyze the logical features of an argument
CLE 3001.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3001.8.4: Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
CLE 3002.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3002.5.1: Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of challenging oral and written contexts.
CLE 3002.5.2: Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
CLE 3002.5.3: Evaluate an argument, considering false premises, logical fallacies, and the quality of evidence presented.
CLE 3002.5.4: Analyze the logical features of an argument.
CLE 3002.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of informational and technical texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3002.8.4: Analyze works of literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
CLE 3003.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through grammar usage and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
CLE 3003.1.2: Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
CLE 3003.5.2: Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
CLE 3003.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3003.6.2: Analyze the organizational structures of complex informational and technical texts.
CLE 3003.6.3: Read, interpret, and analyze graphics that support complex informational and technical texts.
CLE 3003.7.2: Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3003.7.4: Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3003.8.1: Demonstrate knowledge of significant works of American literature from the colonial period to the present and make relevant comparisons.
CLE 3003.8.4: Analyze works of American literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
CLE 3005.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through grammar usage and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
CLE 3005.1.2: Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
CLE 3005.5.1: Use logic to make inferences and draw conclusions in a variety of complex oral and written contexts.
CLE 3005.5.2: Analyze text for fact and opinion, cause/effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
CLE 3005.5.4: Analyze the logical features of an argument.
CLE 3005.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas of complex informational texts and determine the essential elements that elaborate them.
CLE 3005.6.3: Read, interpret, and analyze graphics that support complex informational and technical texts.
CLE 3005.7.2: Examine the agreements and conflicts between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal.
CLE 3005.7.4: Apply and adapt the principles of written composition to create coherent media productions.
CLE 3005.8.1: Demonstrate knowledge of significant works of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present and make relevant comparisons.
CLE 3005.8.4: Analyze works of British literature for what is suggested about the historical period in which they were written.
SPI 3001.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listening with civility...
SPI 3001.5.1: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 3001.7.7: Consider the treatment of a particular subject or event in two or more media (e.g., newspaper and visual art, narrative and poem, diary and magazine article).
SPI 3001.8.3: Identify and analyze an authors point of view (i.e., first person, third-person objective, third-person limited, third-person omniscient).
SPI 3002.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways and listen with civility to...
SPI 3002.5.1: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 3002.7.7: Consider the treatment of a particular subject or event in two or more media (e.g., newspaper and visual art, narrative and poem, diary and magazine article).
SPI 3002.8.16: Analyze how form relates to meaning (e.g., compare a poem and a newspaper on the same theme or topic).
SPI 3002.8.3: Identify and analyze an authors point of view (i.e., first person, third-person objective, third-person limited, third-person omniscient).
SPI 3003.3.8: Choose the transitional device that appropriately connects sentences or paragraphs within a writing sample.
SPI 3003.4.3: Evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources for use in research.
SPI 3003.5.1: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 3003.5.11: Identify the main claim, premise(s), evidence, or conclusion of a given argument.
SPI 3003.5.8: Determine whether a given argument employs deductive or inductive reasoning. (NOTE: NO Check for Understanding)
SPI 3003.6.1: Discern the stated or implied main idea and supporting details of a complex informational or technical passage.
SPI 3003.6.3: Analyze the ways in which the organizational structure of a complex informational or technical text supports or confounds its meaning or purpose.
TSS.ELA.11-12.L.CSE.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking; consider complex and contested matters of usage...
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.CS.5: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her own exposition or argument, including whether the structure makes...
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.CS.6: Determine an author's point of view and/or purpose in a text, analyzing how style and content contribute to its effectiveness.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic or subject in multiple diverse formats and media.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.IKI.9: Analyze and evaluate a variety of thematically-related texts of historical and literary significance for their topics, facts, purposes, and rhetorical...
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing and synthesizing relevant textual evidence from...
TSS.ELA.11-12.RI.KID.2: Determine multiple central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.CS.5: Analyze how an author's choices concerning the structure of specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure, meaning, and aesthetic impact.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.CS.6: Analyze how point of view and/or author purpose requires distinguishing what is directly stated in texts and what is implied.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in multiple diverse formats and media, including how the version interprets the source text.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.IKI.9: Demonstrate knowledge of and analyze thematically-related, significant literary texts, considering how two or more texts treat similar themes or topics.
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing and synthesizing relevant textual evidence from...
TSS.ELA.11-12.RL.KID.2: Determine multiple themes or central ideas of a text or texts and analyze their development; provide a critical summary.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
TSS.ELA.11-12.W.RBPK.9: Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
TSS.ELA.11-12.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning supported by relevant and sufficient evidence.
TSS.ELA.11.RI.RRTC.10: (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual...
TSS.ELA.11.RL.RRTC.10: (For 11th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 11-12 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of...
TSS.ELA.12.RI.RRTC.10: (For 12th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 11-12 text complexity band independently and...
TSS.ELA.12.RL.RRTC.10: (For 12th Grade) Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 11-12 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.CS.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic or subject in two diverse formats or media.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.IKI.9: Analyze a variety of thematically related texts of historical and literary significance for the way they address related topics, facts, and concepts.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.CS.6: Analyze how point of view and/or author purpose shapes the content and style of diverse texts.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.IKI.7: Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in two diverse formats or media.
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.IKI.9: Analyze a variety of related literary texts and evaluate how an author draws on, alludes to, or transforms source material to provide a deeper and more...
TSS.ELA.9-10.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw inferences; cite the strongest, most compelling textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.9-10.SL.CC.1: Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 9th- 10th grade topics, texts, and...
TSS.ELA.9-10.W.RBPK.9: Support and defend interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade band...
US.45: Analyze the causes of the Great Depression, including the following:
US.48: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Dust Bowl of the 1930's.

Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.

Learning objectives:

The learner will:

Analyze and discuss the Migrant Mother photograph
Investigate the circumstances under which this photograph was taken and the viewpoints of the people involved.
Compose a short essay on his or her new understanding of the photograph

Essential and guiding questions:

Does learning more about the background of a photograph change how you think about that photograph? In what ways?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

Print copies of the Migrant Mother photograph for students to take home. Have students interview their parents and grandparents about the photograph. When and where have they seen it before? What do they know about it? What does it mean to them? Have students share what they’ve discovered with the class.
Assign students (or let them choose) another iconic photograph to research for a presentation to the class. Some possible photographs are “Tank Man, or the Unknown Rebel,” “Afghan Girl,” or “V-J Day in Times Square.” In their presentations, students should be sure to address the photographer’s background and point of view, the subject’s point of view (if possible), and the consequences of the photograph’s publication for the photographer, the subject, and the public.

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS:

PowerPoint
Worksheet
Essay Prompt