Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" Speech: A Primary Source Investigation

The story of an African American woman who is a freed slave is powerful and amazing, and the speech is commanding. This book gives pictures and background information and would be a valuable resource for elementary on up because it includes the speech and significant background material. To further engage learners, the teacher could ask students to write an updated folktale or a story based on the information presented in this book. The teacher may want to create a chart of example dialog during history from different time periods and peoples. The class can compare use and style of language from these traditions and language differences today and practice saying the dialog aloud in the different styles. This activity may prompt discussion about different ways of speaking English.