Walk in Their Skin: 4 Historical Studies

Four complete historical studies for grades 9–12. Explore famous speeches through research, critical thinking, historical empathy and writing activities.

Walk in Their Skin — Historical Speech Study Collection

History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.

This collection brings together four complete historical studies exploring the individuals behind some of history’s most memorable words.

Students examine personal experiences, historical circumstances, audiences, and responsibilities before analyzing the speeches and completing varied educational activities.

Four Complete Studies Included

King George VI — A Time of Trial

Explore the man who unexpectedly became king and addressed Britain as World War II began. Students investigate his childhood stammer, public responsibilities, wartime audience, and historical speech through research, listening, reflection, and writing.

Lou Gehrig — The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth

Examine Gehrig’s life, baseball career, ALS diagnosis, and July 4, 1939 farewell. Activities explore gratitude, leadership, historical evidence, empathy, and creative writing, culminating in The Emotional Room.

George Washington — Farewell Address: Then and Now

Study Washington’s 1796 written Farewell Address through historical research, close reading, vocabulary, leadership reflection, and the In My Skin historical-fiction writing assignment.

Franklin D. Roosevelt — The Four Freedoms

Explore Roosevelt’s personal experiences, his January 6, 1941 address, the American audience, and people overseas facing war. Includes historical listening, research, Fireside Chat activities, a research essay, and an authentic teacher-graded student example.

What’s Included Across the Collection

Four complete printable historical studies

Teacher/Parent introductions explaining the purpose of Walk in Their Skin

Historical background and primary-source research

Speech recordings or historically appropriate readings and source links

Close reading, vocabulary, and rhetorical analysis

Critical thinking and historical empathy activities

Leadership, responsibility, and personal reflection

Research, analytical, and creative writing assignments

Grading rubrics and assessment guidance

Educational Purpose

The collection began as part of a high school empathy curriculum developed for my son.

Rather than simply teaching students to define empathy, these studies encourage them to practice understanding people within the historical circumstances that shaped their lives.

Understanding another person’s perspective does not require agreeing with their beliefs or decisions.

Suitable For

High school English Language Arts, American and World History, historical speech studies, research writing, critical thinking, character education, and homeschooling.

Grades: 9–12
Format: Four printable PDF units
Resource Type: Complete historical study bundle

Each study can be completed independently. The individual studies and shorter writing prompts are also available separately.

History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.