These Civil Rights Movement lesson plans include vocabulary, reading passages, comprehension questions, an events timeline, and a map. They’re great for 4th, 5th, or 6th grade classrooms!
Posts on this website follow a teaching journey and are written in story form.
Ms. Sneed Creates Civil Rights Movement Lesson Plans
Our favorite fourth grade teacher sat a the side table with her former student teacher. “Instead of limiting instruction to Dr. King’s birthday in January, I’d like to create a full set of Civil Rights Movement lesson plans,” said Ms. Sneed.
Mr. Grow’s eyes twinkled. “And hopefully they would work in my fifth grade class too?”
“Of course!”
Reading Passage
Ms. Sneed opened her laptop and pulled up some files. “First,” she said, “I’d like the kids to read about key events. This three-page informational text includes:
- Brown v. the Board of Education,
- Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott,
- The Little Rock Nine,
- The Greensboro Four and the Sit-In Movement,
- Freedom Rides,
- Birmingham Demonstrations,
- March on Washington,
- Civil Rights Act, and the
- Selma to Montgomery Marches.”
“What a great summary,” Mr. Grow responded. “I’d love to use this in my class.”
Vocabulary
As Ms. Sneed pulled up another document, she continued, “Of course, they’ll need to learn some key vocabulary. This will help them understand the text and provide content-related knowledge.”
Comprehension Questions
“If you’d like, we can ask them to explain what they’ve read. I like this worksheet because kids must tell which events in the Civil Rights Movement ensured certain rights.”
Mr. Grow nodded. “Yes, I’d like to use this too.”
Civil Rights Movement Events Timeline
Once more, Ms. Sneed searched for a file. “This is my favorite activity. Students list key events in the Civil Rights Movement on the left-hand side of the timeline and important points in Dr. King’s life on the right. That way, they can explain how he shaped history, as well as how history shaped his life.”
“Wow, that’s deep.”
“Yep. To me, this concept drives the study of all history. Events affect people’s lives, but each of us has the power to change the world.”
Map of Key Events in the Civil Rights Movement
Displaying an additional worksheet, she went on. “Another factor in history is geography. For example, events occurred in the South. They came about due to issues from the past. This map helps students understand that.”
Enjoy Teaching with Civil Rights Movement Lesson Plans
“I’m in!” Mr. Grow explained. “Actually, these are the best informational text resources I’ve seen. I can’t wait to get started with these lesson plans.”
