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Billy the Kid | Hero or Villain? | Card Sort Lesson

Did Billy the Kid deserve his reputation as a notorious outlaw, or was he a misunderstood folk hero? This highly engaging, inquiry-based lesson guides students through opposing interpretations of Billy the Kid, challenging them to analyze historical evidence, sort key information, and develop their own conclusions. With a card sort, collaborative writing task, and active plenary, this lesson ensures deep learning, critical thinking, and student participation.

What is Inside This Lesson?

Bell Ringer (Engaging Starter Activity)

Kick off the lesson with an attention-grabbing true or false trick question: Was Billy the Kid left-handed? This activity sparks curiosity by revealing how historical photographs can be misleading.

Background Knowledge (Teacher Exposition & Student Notes)

Students gain historical context through 6 detailed, visually engaging slides, preparing them to analyze Billy the Kids life, reputation, and actions.

Students actively engage with twelve key pieces of historical evidence and categorize them into arguments for and against Billy the Kid being a villain.
Includes a differentiated, color-coded paper version for students needing additional support.

Main Task (Collaborative Writing Activity)

Students receive one of two character role cards, representing different perspectives on Billy the Kid.
Working in pairs, they write a newspaper article about him, using the sorted evidence to construct a compelling historical narrative.
Encourages critical thinking, debate, and historical argumentation skills!
Plenary (Wrap-Up & Assessment of Learning)

Students complete an 8-petal flower diagram to summarize their key takeaways.
Then, they vote with their feet in a classroom debate, physically moving to show where they stand on the central question:
“Billy the Kid: Hero or Villain?”
Why You & Your Students Will Love This Lesson

Engages ALL Learners. Includes a differentiated version for additional support.
Student-Centered & Inquiry-Based – Encourages debate, writing, and historical analysis.

Who is this for?

Middle & High School History Teachers
American West / Wild West Units
Teachers using Inquiry-Based Learning, or Debate Lessons
Perfect for engaging reluctant learners!

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