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Lou Gehrig: Speech Study & Writing Activities

Lou Gehrig: Speech Study & Writing Activities

Subject: English

Age range: 14 - 16

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

14 October 2026

pdf, 5.85 MB
pdf, 5.85 MB
pdf, 105.61 KB
pdf, 105.61 KB

Lou Gehrig Speech Study | 29-Page High School Unit | Grades 9–12 | Historical Research, Speech Analysis, Empathy & Creative Writing Activities.

Walk in Their Skin: Lou Gehrig

The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth

History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig stood before thousands of baseball fans at Yankee Stadium and delivered one of the most memorable farewell speeches in American sports history.

Known as the Iron Horse, Gehrig played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees. Yet behind his extraordinary achievements was a man facing a devastating diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease.

Rather than focusing publicly on what he was losing, Gehrig expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that had enriched his life.

But who was the man behind those famous words?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 25%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

King George VI & Lou Gehrig: Full Studies

Two complete 1939 speech studies for grades 9–12. Explore King George VI and Lou Gehrig through historical research, empathy, speech analysis and writing. Walk in Their Skin — Two Men. Two Speeches. One Extraordinary Year. History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions. Two men. Two speeches. Sixty-one days apart. On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig stood before thousands of baseball fans at Yankee Stadium, saying farewell to the game he loved. On September 3, 1939, King George VI addressed Britain by radio as the nation entered World War II. Gehrig was facing a progressive illness that ended his baseball career. George VI had lived with a stammer since childhood and had unexpectedly inherited the throne. Their circumstances were different, but both faced difficult responsibilities while speaking to people who looked to them for something beyond themselves. The Quiet Professionals Gehrig expressed gratitude toward his family, teammates and fans. George VI offered words of resolve to a nation facing war. Neither man's difficulties simply disappeared. Their speeches are remembered for their restraint, humility and consideration for others. This bundle invites students to examine the human beings behind these historical moments. What's Included King George VI — A Time of Trial - Historical background on Prince Albert and his unexpected accession - His childhood stammer and work with Lionel Logue - Britain entering World War II - Historical speech listening and analysis - Public speaking, elocution and reflection activities - Research and analytical essay with grading rubric Lou Gehrig — The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth - Gehrig's life, baseball career and ALS diagnosis - Historical context surrounding his July 4, 1939 farewell - Speech research and analysis - Leadership, teamwork and gratitude activities - Historical evidence and critical-thinking exercises - The Emotional Room creative writing assignment and grading rubric Educational Purpose Part of Hancock Learning Studio's Walk in Their Skin collection, these studies encourage students to practice historical empathy. Students examine personal experiences, historical circumstances and audiences before interpreting a speaker's words. Understanding another person's perspective does not require agreeing with every belief or decision. Suitable For High school English, American and World History, speech studies, historical research, creative writing, critical thinking and homeschooling. Grades: 9–12 Format: Two complete printable PDF studies Resource Type: Historical speech-study bundle These are the two complete studies, not the shorter standalone writing prompts. History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.

$6.00
Bundle

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.

$12.00

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