Workshop #1
Analysis of Child Labor Laws
Grade Level Identified:
6
Purpose, Background, and Context
The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand and analyze images of Child Labor in the context
of the Industrial Revolution.
Goals/Objectives/Student Outcomes/Performance Expectations
- Students will be able to determine the context of the images of children working in factories
- Students will understand the reasons for implementing child labor laws
Materials
- Images of children in factories (more images can be found on the Library of Congress website)
Children in Factories
- United States Department of Labor – Child Labor Laws
Labor Laws
Procedures
1. Place students in predetermined groups of 4-5 students each.
2. Display first image. Ask “What is going on in this image?” Allow time for groups to discuss.
3. Discuss the context of the first image as a class. Introduce concept of child labor.
4. Display second image. Ask “What is going on in this image?” Allow time for groups to discuss.
5. Discuss the context of the second image as a class.
6. Analyze the differences between image 1 and image 2, discussing the change from what seems
like a normal but more-adultlike life to harsh working conditions.
7. Pass out copies of the United States Child Labor Laws and allow students to skim through them.
8. Ask: “Based on the images you saw, why do you feel the Child Labor Laws were introduced?”
“Why weren’t they introduced at an earlier time?”
9. Assign students “Child Labor Research”
Each student will be required to research the child labor laws in another
country. Students should compare the laws to the laws of the United States.
Provide one image of the circumstances in that country.
Assessment of Outcomes
“Child Labor Research” assignment is the primary assessment of this lesson. Students are required to
apply their knowledge from this lesson to an outside source. Later, the students will take a test over the
19th Century Industry that will include questions about Child Labor.
Extensions and Adaptations
Have students create an interview for an adult in their life. Have students ask questions about the
circumstances of their first job as a child and how that job compares to a job that they have now.