A Shirtwaist Disaster!

by Christina Smart Meigs, Triad Middle School

Grade:

Objectives:

• Research the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire using primary and secondary sources
• Analyze artifacts
• Synthesize and interpret a wide array of information using argument, narrative or informative writing skills.
   

Common Core Writing Standards for Literacy in History/SS:

• Write informative/explanatory texts including the narration of historical events. (2 a-f)
• Students should be able to incorporate narrative elements effectively into their analysis of individuals or events of historical importance.
• Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
• Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing.
• Use technology/Internet to produce and publish writing.
• Conduct short research projects, drawing from several sources.
• Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources.

Materials/Resources/Links:

• Computer/Internet access for teacher and students
• Copies of Spiral questions-If copies are unavailable utilize web presentation; have students write answers on their own paper.
• Approved district grade level rubric for narrative, argument and informational writing

Timeframe:

• A day or two for initial introduction/research/spiral questions (dependent upon block or non-block scheduling)
• A week to two weeks to allow time for writing workshop on chosen writing assessment.

• What is a shirtwaist? Fashion2Fiber link
• Photo of white shirtwaist top, by The Rustic Victorian, Flickr.com

What was the disaster?

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Research—(This is a start, search for additional reputable sources after you have exhausted my short list.)

• Multiple resources regarding the first including the trial. 
• Article/image: A Factory Fire and Frances Perkins, Pieces of History, The National Archives
• AUDIO: Listen to new vivid descriptions of the fire, "The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire," NPR.org
• Remembering the fire 100 years later (utilize whole source--click around)
  • Remembering the 1911 Triangle Factory Fire
  • A Factory Fire and Frances Perkins, Pieces of History, The National Archives
• Newspaper articles of the time 

• Unionizing, "Clara Lemlich sparks 'Uprising of the 20,000'," Sharing Stories Inspiring Change, Jewish Women's Archive
• Unions, "Triangle Shirtwaist Fire," AFL-CIO web site
• "Ask About Labor Laws and Unions in the Fire’s Wake," by Steven Greenhouse, New York Times
• Political cartoons:
  • Remembering the 1911 Triangle Factory Fire, Cornell University
  • The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, 1911, Historyonthenet.com

Argument Writing:

• Develop thesis: Argue that the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire is still relevant today.
• Create an argument essay to support your thesis statement.
• Minimum 7 paragraphs (including introduction and conclusion)
• Minimum of 3 resources—use MLA annotated bibliography format to cite sources and MLA in-text citation model.

  • Use this article, "Why the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Is Important Today," by Keith Mestrich, as a model of argument writing on the topic. I do not want you to copy this but read as reference model. Your 6+1 traits of writing should be evident especially "voice".

Narrative Writing:

• Select a main character perspective from the fire and create a historical narrative.
• Possible main characters for your narrative (there are others):
  • Female factory worker (survivor or victim)
  • Factory owner
  • Family member of female factory worker (survivor or victim)
  • Fireman
  • City officials
  • News reporter
  • Post fire union member
• Create a detailed historical narrative from your chosen perspective.
• Develop characters, setting, plot, dialogue, descriptive language etc.
• Must be historically accurate given the research you have conducted.
• Utilize 6+1 traits
• Minimum of 7 paragraphs

Informative Writing:

• Develop thesis: What are you trying to explain?
• Ideas: the Triangle Factory disaster, unionizing, life in the factory
• Create an informative essay to support your thesis statement.
• Minimum 7 paragraphs (including introduction and conclusion)
• Minimum of 3 resources—use MLA annotated bibliography format to cite sources and MLA in-text citation model.

SPIRAL QUESTIONS

• Demonstration of protest and mourning for Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of March 25, 1911
• Present to whole class—Turn and talk
  • F2F Green Taffeta Dress

Description:

• Describe what you see in these photos.
• What does the tag say?
• Is this artifact dated?

Interpretation:

• What is the intention of the text on the tag?
• Is this pre or post Triangle factory fire? How do you know?

Analysis:

• What political, economic or social benefit(s) did the factory owners anticipate by placing this tag in their clothing? List by P, E, S.
• What examples do we see currently that might be similar? List example and benefits.