This no-prep, editable lesson introduces students to the Counter-Reformation through a close read and group (or pair) discussion. After a mini-lesson introducing the Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation students read a passage (modified version included) and analyze the Church’s actions. Next, students choose a question to discuss and answer. The resource includes all lesson components: slides with a warm-up and short lecture, student activity, and a conclusion. An answer key and a lesson plan are provided to ensure this resource is effortless to implement. Both print and digital versions are included.
This resource is delivered as a PDF and includes Google links to the editable version.
What you get:
- Editable slides that walk you through the lesson
- Reading passage
- Student handout
- Lesson plan
- Answer key
- Digital copies of everything.
This lesson is appropriate for 7th-10th grade and is designed for a single 50-minute period.
The Lesson
1. Warm-up: Student choice of two short response questions
2. A slide deck walks you through the lesson step-by-step.
3. Individual Activity: Students read a passage about the Counter-Reformation and assess whether actions taken by the Church were reforms, propaganda or enforcement of doctrine
Group (or Pair) Activity: Students choose from two opinion-based analytical questions to discuss and record their findings.
4. Conclusion: An analytical short response question checks for understanding
Content Covered: Counter Reformation, Council of Trent, Index of Forbidden Books, Roman Inquisition, Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuits, Baroque art
Skills Covered: Short response writing, close reading, critical thinking, accountable talk.