LONG WALK TO FREEDOM ROBUST VOCABULARY INSTRUCTION

By Nelson Mandela

Profound “All of us will spend many years, if not

generations, recovering from that profound hurt.”

Definition: Profound is having a strong influence or effect.

The mother’s nurturing behavior has a profound impact on the developing child.

Profound

Would losing your home have a profound effect on you? Why?

Think of something that would affect you profoundly. Pair/Share.

Humanity “I would see a glimmer of humanity in

one of the guards, perhaps for just a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.”

Definition: Humanity is kindness, respect.

We must never forget our common humanity.

Humanity How might a doctor, a policeman, or a

father, show humanity? Small groups.

Resiliency “I have seen men stand up to attacks

and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resiliency that defies the imagination.”

Definition: Resiliency is the ability to become strong, happy, or successful again after a difficult situation or event.

The people showed resiliency after the war.

Resiliency

Which of these situations demonstrate resiliency? Why?

A) Getting an F on a test and then moping and ditching that class.

B) Getting an F on a test and going in after school for extra tutoring, and then taking a retest and getting an A.

Obligation “I did not in the beginning choose to place my

people before my family, but in attempt to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father, and a husband.”

Definition: Your obligations are activities that you must do; having moral or legal duty to do something

After witnessing the crime, I was obligated to call the police.

Obligation If it is an obligation say, “Obligation”

Doing your homework Hanging out with friends Attending school Using a computer to type a paper Reporting a crime Completing chores Shopping for new clothes Buying a present for your favorite ELA teacher

Transformation “I never lost hope that this great

transformation would occur. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

A transformation is a complete change in someone or something.

The bully’s attitude underwent a transformation after his brother was badly hurt.

Transformation What are some other reasons a bully’s

attitude might transform?

Enhances “For to be free is not merely to cast off

one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Definition: Enhance means to improve something

Good lighting will enhance any room.

Enhances

List three ways to enhance your appearance. Pair/Share.

Obstructed “I yearned for the basic and honorable freedoms

of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family - the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.”

Definition: Obstructed means to prevent someone from doing something or something from happening, by making it difficult.

My driving was obstructed by the barrier in the road.

Obstructed If any of the things I say are examples of

obstruction, say “obstruction.” If not, don’t say anything.

Having to stop while driving because of road construction.

Your parents allowing you to go to a friend’s house after school.

Not being able to buy a dance ticket because you did not return a library book.

Oppression “But the decades of oppression and brutality

had another, unintended effect, and that was that it produced…”

Definition: Oppression is when someone treats a group of people unfriendly or cruelly and prevents them from having the same rights as other people have.

If you have been stopped from doing something that others have the right to, you are being oppressed.

Oppression Complete the word continuum below.

Add a word or phrase to the word line and explain your placement.

Freedom --------------------------Oppression