Domain:
History & Culture
Competency:
Recognize injustice and change
🎂
10-12 year olds
⏰
25 to 30 minutes min
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Learning Objective
Students will identify key contributions of Civil Rights leaders and discuss how their resilience and activism have influenced social change.
Learning Resource Synopsis
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander is a powerful poetic tribute to Black life in America, accompanied by vivid illustrations. It addresses the historical struggles of slavery and the steadfast determination of the Civil Rights Movement. The book celebrates the courage and perseverance of influential Black leaders and integrates references to the powerful words of figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced throughout history and inspires reflection on the ongoing quest for justice and equality. The book includes robust back matter that provides additional historical context and details for further learning.
Extended Learning Resources
| Resource & Author | Publication Info | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Published by Scholastic, written by Doreen Rappaport | This picture book introduces young readers to the life and words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing his message of nonviolence and equality. |
| Rosa | Published by Scholastic, written by Nikki Giovanni | This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, highlighting her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. |
| Let the Children March | Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, written by Monica Clark-Robinson | This book recounts the inspiring story of the Children's Crusade of 1963, where thousands of children marched in Birmingham, Alabama, to protest segregation. |
Vocabulary List
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Perseverance | Continuing to do something despite difficulties or delay in achieving success. | The perseverance of Civil Rights leaders helped bring about significant social change, inspiring others to continue the fight for equality. |
| Resilience | The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks. | The resilience shown by influential Black leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. Serves as a powerful example of how to overcome adversity. |
| Activism | The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. | Activism was a crucial part of the Civil Rights Movement, as leaders and ordinary citizens worked tirelessly to end racial segregation and discrimination. |
| Courage | The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery. | The courage of individuals like Rosa Parks inspired many to take a stand against injustice, despite the risks involved. |
| Reflection | Serious thought or consideration. | The book 'The Undefeated' encourages reflection on the struggles and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. |
Prompt
Essential Question: "How can learning about the courage and resilience of Civil Rights leaders inspire us to stand up for what is right in our own lives?"
Today's lesson invites us to explore the incredible courage and resilience of Civil Rights leaders, individuals whose bravery and determination have shaped history. As we reflect on their journeys, let's consider how their stories might inspire us to stand up for what's right in our own lives.
Anticipatory Set
- Begin by asking students to close their eyes and imagine a moment when they stood up for something they believed in. Encourage them to focus on how it felt in that moment.
- Play a short, powerful audio clip of a famous Civil Rights speech or song. Ask students to silently reflect on the emotions and images that come to mind as they listen.
- Invite students to share one word that captures their feelings or thoughts from this experience with a partner. Encourage them to think about how this connects to the idea of standing up for what's right.
Teacher Tips
- Create a calm and supportive environment by speaking softly and allowing students quiet time to reflect before sharing.
- Encourage diverse perspectives by inviting students to share their reflections in pairs or small groups before opening the floor for larger group discussion.
- Use a talking object to facilitate sharing, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to speak and listen respectfully.
Learn
Today, we're diving into 'The Undefeated' by Kwame Alexander, a book that beautifully honors the strength and perseverance of Black leaders throughout history. As we read, let's think about how these stories of resilience can inspire us to take action in our own lives.
Interactive Engagement
- As we encounter different leaders and moments in history, think about what qualities made them resilient. Can you relate these qualities to someone you know or admire?
- Listen to the powerful words and look at the illustrations carefully. How do the images and words work together to tell this story? What emotions do they evoke?
- When we read about a challenge faced by these leaders, pause and consider: What might have motivated them to keep going despite the obstacles?
- Each time a historical figure is mentioned, think about the impact they might have had on their community. How do their actions continue to influence us today?
- As we explore the themes of the book, reflect on a time you faced a challenge. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to share personal connections to the themes of perseverance and resilience, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.
- Pause periodically to discuss the illustrations and text, inviting students to explore how they complement each other and deepen the story's impact.
- Create an inclusive environment by inviting diverse perspectives and ensuring all voices are heard during discussions, linking themes to students' lives.
Ask
As we finish reading 'The Undefeated,' let's take a moment to reflect on the bravery and resilience demonstrated by Civil Rights leaders. How do these stories of courage inspire us to think about our role in standing up for justice and equality today?
Discussion Questions
- Think about a time when you faced a challenge that required courage. How did you find the strength to overcome it, and what lessons did you learn that relate to the stories we've read?
- How do you think the world might be different today if the Civil Rights leaders we read about had not shown such resilience? Can you think of ways their actions continue to impact our lives?
- Imagine you are writing a letter to one of the leaders mentioned in 'The Undefeated.' What would you want to thank them for, and how might their story influence the way you approach challenges in your own life?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to share personal stories or examples from their own experiences that connect to themes of courage and resilience. This helps create a safe space for diverse perspectives.
- Facilitate the discussion by asking follow-up questions that Examine closely deeper into students' reflections, such as 'What emotions did you feel during that moment?' or 'Why do you think that experience was significant for you?'.
- Use visual aids, such as illustrations from the book, to help students connect emotionally and intellectually with the themes. Encourage them to point out specific details that resonate with them.
Navigate
Civil Rights Leaders: Resilience and Impact Mosaic
This activity allows students to Examine closely into the lives and contributions of key Civil Rights leaders through the creation of an interactive mosaic. By exploring the themes of perseverance and resilience, students will collaboratively research notable figures, reflecting on their struggles and triumphs. This process helps them connect emotionally and cognitively with the material, drawing inspiration from the leaders' courage and activism.
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Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to think critically about how they visually represent the leader's challenges and achievements.
- Facilitate discussions on how the collective mosaic reflects the interconnectedness of the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.
- Use technology to create a digital version of the mosaic if physical space is limited. This can be shared with a broader audience, such as parents or other classes.
Share
Invite students to gather in a circle and reflect on our Follow 'The Undefeated,' highlighting the powerful stories of resilience and courage from the Civil Rights Movement. Encourage them to consider the impact of these leaders and how our understanding of courage has grown through our exploration.
Reflection Questions
- Think about a moment in the story that moved you deeply. How did that moment change the way you think about courage and resilience?
- Reflect on how learning about the Civil Rights leaders' perseverance has inspired you. In what ways can you use this inspiration to stand up for what is right in your own life?
- Consider how the themes of 'The Undefeated' connect to challenges you face today. How can you apply the lessons of courage and resilience to overcome these challenges?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to first write down their thoughts before sharing, to help organize their reflections.
- Facilitate a 'celebration circle' where each student can share one insight they gained from the lesson, ensuring every voice is heard.
- Prompt students to pair up and discuss their reflections before opening the floor to the larger group, fostering a supportive environment for sharing.
UDL Strategies
Representation
- Incorporate short biographical video documentaries of Civil Rights leaders to provide visual and auditory context to the historical figures, enhancing understanding through multimedia.
- Use an interactive digital tool or app that allows students to explore an interactive timeline of Civil Rights events and leaders, offering a hands-on way to visualize historical context.
- Create an infographic template that includes key milestones and personal attributes of the leaders, allowing students to compile and visualize their research findings in a structured format.
Action & Expression
- Offer students the choice to create a multimedia presentation, such as a video or podcast, to convey their understanding of a leader's contributions, utilizing technology for creative expression.
- Provide an option for students to create a comic strip or storyboard that illustrates a key moment from their leader's life, enabling them to express understanding through visual storytelling.
- Encourage students to participate in a 'Leader's Impact Forum,' where they can present their Mosaic section and engage in a Q&A session with peers, promoting public speaking and critical thinking skills.
Engagement
- Begin the activity with an and inspiring clip from a film or documentary about a Civil Rights movement, sparking interest and connection to the subject matter.
- Allow students to select their Civil Rights leader from a diverse list that includes lesser-known figures, supporting personal interest and discovery in the learning process.
- Facilitate a role-playing activity where students embody their chosen leader for a day, experiencing firsthand the challenges and victories of their lives, thus deepening empathy and understanding.
Assessment Criteria
Formative Assessment
- Observation and Discussions: As students work on their mosaic sections, observe their engagement with the research material. Listen for discussions about the Civil Rights leaders' challenges and contributions to social change. Look for evidence of students drawing parallels between past and present social justice issues.
- Research Progress Check-ins: Periodically check in with student groups to assess their understanding of the key contributions and resilience of their chosen leader. Encourage them to share interesting facts or connections they have discovered, noting their ability to identify significant achievements and obstacles.
Summative Assessment
- Gallery Walk Presentation: During the gallery walk, assess each group's ability to clearly articulate their Civil Rights leader's contributions and the impact on social change. Look for accurate representation of historical facts and personal reflections that connect the leader's story to contemporary issues, ensuring students can communicate these effectively.
- Reflective Journal Entry: After completing the mosaic, students will write a journal entry reflecting on how the resilience of Civil Rights leaders influences their own perspective on social change. Evaluate their ability to make personal connections to the theme of resilience and articulate how these leaders inspire their views on current social issues.
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