2nd Grade
  • Lesson
  • 45 minutes

Civil Rights Chronicles: Heroes and Milestones

Sandra Glusac

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the early civil rights movement, focusing on its origins, key events, and influential figures. Through storytelling, art, and interactive activities, students will gain an understanding of how individuals and communities worked together to initiate social change. The lesson aims to foster empathy and inspire students to recognize the importance of standing up for fairness and equality in their own lives. By engaging with curated resources and participating in creative projects, students will develop a foundational appreciation for the civil rights movement's impact on society and its relevance to their lives today.

Learning goals

In this lesson, students will explore the birth of the civil rights movement from 1938-1959 by engaging in a storytelling session to understand the concept of segregation and its impact on communities. They will learn to create timelines by arranging key events from the movement in chronological order, enhancing their understanding of historical sequences. Students will research diverse figures, including women and lesser-known activists, to appreciate the importance of teamwork and diverse voices in social change. Through a creative art session, they will design posters inspired by civil rights slogans or symbols, learning about the power of visual communication in activism. The lesson will conclude with a peer review session where students present their initial project ideas and receive feedback to improve their understanding and presentation of the civil rights movement.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3: Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects.