Resource Unit: African Americans
Melinda Pace & Christy Sexton
Second Grade
EDE 417
Table of Contents
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Introduction
Content
Vocabulary
Objectives
Activities
Evaluation
Teacher Resources
Student Resources
Media resources
Introduction
• African American’s played a huge part in America as we know it
today. It is important to recognize the struggles they faced to enjoy
the freedoms they have today. Students need to understand the
roles that African Americans played to shape America and realize
what African Americans had to go through to get the respect they
deserve. This resource unit offers helpful activities, important
vocabulary, and resources for teachers. This resource unit is
designed for a five day lesson.
Content
• The students will learn about the hardships and struggles that
African Americans have faced. They will learn about slavery,
segregation, prejudice, important events during this time in history,
and people who played important roles.
Vocabulary
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Slave
Segregation/Desegregation
Integration
Abolitionism
Fugitive
Emancipation
Civil Rights Movement
Underground Railroad
Martin Luther King Jr.
Harriet Tubman
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Rosa Parks
Ruby Bridges
Discrimination
Protest
Justice
Cognitive Objectives
Students will:
• Describe slavery and the impact it had on the lives of African
Americans.
• Identify struggles that African Americans have faced in order to
have the freedoms they enjoy today.
• Name two important leaders during the Civil Rights Movement and
explain their role.
• Identify two important events during the Civil Rights Movement and
discuss the impact it had during that time.
• Describe what the underground railroad was and how it contributed
to the freedom of slaves.
Affective Objectives
• Explain how they feel about the way African Americans were
treated for so many years.
• Discuss how they would have felt in a situation from this time.
Whether it be slavery, segregation, or discrimination.
• Identify how their lives have been affected by the roles African
Americans played to change the United States.
• Express their feelings towards brave African American activists such
as, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Frederick
Douglas, and many others.
Activities
Day 1
This day’s focus is the life of a slave and major events during that period .
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2.
Read the book Daily Life on a Southern Plantation 1863 by Paul
Erickson. Discuss slavery with the students and create a Venn
Diagram comparing the life of African Americans during the time of
slavery and the life of the average African American today.
As a class, create a timeline outlining the major events associated
with slavery. Children will work in groups to summarize a certain
event, and then all the groups will compile their work into one
timeline.
Activities
Day 2
This day’s focus is the underground railroad
3. Show the documentary The Underground Railroad (History
Channel) (1999). Have a discussion about what the Underground
Railroad is. Let the children express their thoughts and feelings on
the subject.
4. Discuss the underground railroad and it’s importance. Look at a
map of the underground railroad routes and discuss that the
slaves were trying to reach Canada and why. Watch the video
Harriet Tubman.
Activities
Day 3
This day’s focus is on segregation and desegregation.
5. Read The School is not White by Doreen Rappaport. Discuss the
role of segregation in the lives of African Americans before the
Civil Rights Movement. Divide the students into small groups, and
have each group create a segregated situation. Each group will
role play their situation in the front of the classroom.
6. Read the book The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and
watch the movie Disney’s Ruby Bridges. The children will write a
response in their journals.
Activities
Day 4
This day’s focus is on the Civil Rights Movement.
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Watch the movie Understanding the Civil Rights Movement and discuss
what happened, what it stood for, and it’s importance.
Read The Civil Rights Movement for Kids: A History With 21 Activities by
Mary C. Turck. Have a discussion about how children, like them helped to
make a difference during the Civil Rights Movement. Divide the children
into groups, and have each group come up with ideas of how they would
have made a difference during the Civil Rights Movement.
Activities
Day 5
This day’s focus is on Civil Rights Leaders.
9. Bring in books on several Civil Rights Movement Activists. Have
the children work in groups, and have each group select one
activist to study. The children will create a poster on their activist,
and write about their activist’s contributions to the Civil Rights
Movement.
10. Watch the movie Our Friend Martin, (1999). Have the children
write what they think the world would be like if Martin Luther King
Jr. had never lived.
Evaluation
Multiple Choice:
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What is a slave?
a. A farmer
b. Someone who baby-sits
c. Someone who cleans
houses for money
d. Someone that is the property of another person.
What is segregation?
a. Separation of races in daily life
b. Slaves earning money while they
worked
c. Slaves running away
d. African-American living a free
life
Which does not explain the underground railroad?
a. Helped escaped slaves to freedom
b. A system of tracks
c. a
network of people, routes, and safe houses
d. Secret
Evaluation
4.
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Which does not describe a fugitive?
a. Someone who is fleeing an unpleasant situation
b. Someone who
is wanted by law officers
c. A slave
d. A runaway slave
What is discrimination?
a. Unfair treatment of a person or group
b. Equal treatment of
others
c. Including everyone regardless of race
d. Fairness
True or False:
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Ruby Bridges was the firs African-American student to integrate her
local New Orleans elementary school.
Harriet Tubman was never a slave herself, but decided to help slaves
escape to freedom.
Evaluation
Short Essay:
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2.
Describe the Civil Rights Movement and its importance. Name at least
one Civil Rights Activist and their contribution to the movement.
Write about the struggles that African Americans have faced in order to
have the freedoms they enjoy today.
Teacher Resources
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Website: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/teachers/index.html
The K-12 Learning portion of the SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA Web site
was developed in close concert with American History and Social Studies teachers. A
recurring topic from our advisors was to develop projects and activities that help
students take on the many different perspectives of people involved in slavery in
order to better understand the climate in which slavery existed. This section of the
site -- with historical fiction for grades 3-12, Lesson Plans for ages 9-18, primary
sources, and a Virtual Museum with contributions from museums across the country
and exhibits created by students -- offers resources we hope you will find valuable
for your classrooms.
Website: http://www.teachervision.fen.com/black-history-month/teacherresources/6602.html
Explore the many contributions of African-Americans with our cross-curricular
lessons, printables, quizzes, and activities below. You'll find biographies on athletes,
scientists, civil rights leaders, and more! Utilize these resources for grades K-12 to
examine the historical and social context of slavery. From art to technology, there
are activities to connect Black history with every subject including holiday resources
for Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Teacher Resources
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Website: http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/resources/overview.htm
All the tools in this section were developed by teachers, for teachers. Teachers all
over the country are working to create lesson plans, activities, WebQuests, and
other teaching materials that bring together the PBS television series and the
resources on this site to construct teaching aids designed with today's classroom in
mind.
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Website: http://www.proteacher.com/090156.shtml
A collection of websites that provide teachers with activities, pictures, lessons, timelines, quizzes,
and so much more. A great teacher resource!
Student References
1) Daily Life on a Southern Plantation 1863 by Paul Erickson
Through words and images, this book shows what life was like on a cotton
plantation in Louisiana in 1853 from the point of view of both the landowners
and the slaves. The first section gives a brief but informative look at the United
States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. A discussion of free and slave states
and territories and the Compromise of 1850 is accompanied by a helpful map.
Next comes a summary of how and why the slave trade originated and grew in
this country. Then, representative families are introduced. Detailed drawings
show the layout of the plantation buildings and the floor plan of the Big House.
2) Booker T. Washington: Great American Educator by Eric Braun
This book is a biography on Booker T. Washington. It tells about his whole life
from his hardships to his accomplishments. This is a great book for young
children to read to learn about this wonderful African American hero.
Students References
3) http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/bookertwashington/bookertwashington.html
This is a website that children can explore to learn about the life of Booker T.
Washington. This website contains information about Booker T. Washington
accomplishments. There is a virtual museum, a virtual storybook, and student
activities.
4) Be a Friend: The Story of African American Music in Song, Words, and Pictures by
Leotha Stanely
Be A Friend: The Story of African American Music in Song, Words and Pictures
describes the story of African American music with original songs, historical
information, illustrations and photos, and inspirational messages for children
ages 8 and older. Be A Friend is divided into five chapters: spirituals, blues, jazz,
gospel, and rap. Leotha Stanley composed and arranged eight songs in the five
musical styles. In his songs, he conveys uplifting messages about friendship,
honesty and self-respect. An audio cassette accompanies Be A Friend: side one
features all eight songs sung by Madison, Wisconsin, elementary school
students; side two includes the musical accompaniment only.
Student References
5) Abraham Lincoln and the End of Slavery by Russell Shorto
A brief biography of Abraham Lincoln, describing his political career, his feelings
about slavery, and his role as president during the Civil War. This is a good book to
share with children to help explain Lincoln’s role in the ending of slavery.
6) From Slavery to Freedom with Harriet Tubman by Deborah Hedstrom-Page
For students ages eight to fourteen, the MY AMERICAN JOURNEY series presents a
true history of the United States with a cleverly dose of fiction. Harriet Tubman
(1822-1913) was an African-American abolitionist. Born into slavery herself, she
helped hundreds of slaves escape to the North via the Underground Railroad during
the Civil War. This book can be used to help students learn about the struggles of
slavery and their attempts to gain freedom.
Student References
7) The Civil Rights Movement for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Mary C. Turck
A comprehensive history and guide to one of the defining movements of the 20th century.
Beginning with the early days of segregation and ending with civil rights today, readers discover
not only the work and speeches of the notable leaders, but also how children participated in the
struggle. Activities include reenacting a lunch-counter sit-in, organizing a workshop on
nonviolence, and holding a freedom film festival. The entire Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are appended. Black-and-white photos from newspapers,
magazines, and the National Archives and a few drawings enhance the text. Although
independent students will find a wealth of information here, this enormous effort begs for
sensitive, knowledgeable adults to use it as a tool in guiding young people in the study of human
rights for all.
8) The School is Not White by Doreen Rappaport
The School is not White is a work of historical fiction that is set in Drew, Mississippi in 1965. In
the story, young readers are introduced to Matthew and Mae Bertha Carter, sharecroppers and
parents who only want the best for their children. The Carter's believed that in order for their
children to have success in life they needed the best possible education. Because of this, they
decided to go against local convention and send their children to "all white schools." This choice
did not go unpunished, the children were ostracized by both classmates and teachers, and the
family was forced to move when the owner of the land would no longer allow them to sharecrop.
However, as a result of the faith and perseverance of the family and assistance from local and
national groups who supported their cause, things began to change.
Student References
9) The Bus Ride That Changes History: The Story of Rosa Parks by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Grade 2-4–Published 50 years after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in
Montgomery, AL, this book retraces the segregation laws and the events surrounding the
early stages of the Civil Rights movement. This historical account, illustrated with pen-andink and watercolor artwork, has a new twist as it is interspersed with modern-day cartoon
characters guiding readers through the events and posing questions via dialogue-balloon
conversations. Each new page builds from the previous one in the cumulative fashion similar
to This Is the House That Jack Built. If used as a read-aloud, listeners will want to join in on
the refrain, which was overturned because one woman was brave.
10) The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Ages 5-9. Sustained by family and faith, one brave six-year-old child found the strength to
walk alone through howling protesters and enter a whites-only school in New Orleans in
1960. Ruby Bridges did it every day for weeks that turned into months. The white parents
withdrew their kids, and Ruby sat alone with her teacher in an empty classroom in an empty
building and learned her lessons. Harvard professor Cole has written powerful adult books
about children in crisis and about children's moral and political lives. Here he tells one girl's
heroic story, part of the history of ordinary people who have changed the world. He tells it
quietly, as an adult, and the simplicity is moving, though kids might want some indication of
Ruby's personal experience, what it was like to be her. Ford's moving watercolor paintings
mixed with acrylic ink are predominantly in sepia shades of brown and red. They capture the
physical warmth of Ruby's family and community, the immense powers against her, and her
shining inner strength.
Media References
1) Our Friend Martin (1999)
What begins as a routine class project for a diverse group of sixth-graders turns into a magical,
time-traveling adventure they'll never forget! Authentic historical footage of Martin Luther King Jr.
is blended with colorful animation as the students learn about - and actually meet - the civil rights
leader who challenged all Americans to turn his dream of freedom into reality. Produced in
association with the King family, "Our Friend, Martin" features an unprecedented all-star voice
cast and a hot hit soundtrack with music performed by top contemporary artists and classic
Motown greats. It's a fun, new way for your family to share Dr. King's inspiring message of hope
and courage that changed the course of our nation's history.
2) The Rosa Park’s Story (2002)
I used this video for Black History Month in a middle school. Most of the students had heard of
Rosa Parks, but didn't know her life story. The film conveys her in such a human manner that the
students were able to see her as a person and not just an historical figure. Many of the scenes in
the film depicting separate but equal angered these students, who are too young to remember
when these things actually existed. The film definitely elicited an emotional response from all who
viewed it.
Media References
3) Disney’s Ruby Bridges (1998)
Disney presents the inspiring true story of one little girl whose strength and dignity during the
racially charged 1960s helped change history! When bright six-year-old Ruby is chosen to be the
first African-American student to integrate her local New Orleans elementary school, she is
subjected to the true ugliness of racism for the very first time. But guided by the love of her
mother (Lela Rochon -- WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE, WAITING TO EXHALE) and father
(Michael Beach -- SOUL FOOD, TV’s THIRD WATCH), Ruby's heroic struggle for a better
education becomes a lesson for us all. An acclaimed and entertaining motion picture also starring
Penelope Ann Miller (THE GUN IN BETTY LOU'S HANDBAG, CARLITO'S WAY) and Kevin Pollak
(THE USUAL SUSPECTS, A FEW GOOD MEN) -- you'll want to share this remarkable story of
courage and pride with your family!
4) Understanding the Civil Right’s Movement
Learn about the chain of events that led to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This video
vividly illustrates how Black Americans struggled to overcome the constraints of a segregated
society. Historic footage and powerful visuals provide images that will allow students to witness a
turbulent era of their nation's history. Award Winner: Videographer's "Award of Excellence," Telly
Awards Finalist, and International Film and Video Festival "Silver Screen Award"
Media References
5) Harriet Tubman (2005)
A biography of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Courage helps this woman escape
slavery and become a modern-day Moses, bravely helping lead others to freedom. A lesson in the
value of courage. Harriet Ross Tubman was born and raised into slavery. However, she longs to
be free and hopes to escape to the promised land. After hearing about an underground railroad
and learning of a Quaker woman up the river who helps slaves get on, Harriet tells her father she
is escaping. Once at the Quaker woman’s home, Harriet learns that the underground railroad is a
route guided by conductors to the North.
6) Understanding Slavery http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schooladventures/slavery/
Few human practices have provoked such deep and widespread outrage as the
practice of one human being enslaving another. So why has slavery survived for
thousands of years? How did it become so important to civilization? Explore the ways
that slavery has been woven into the fabric of societies in America and around the
world.
7) USA History: Slavery in the United States
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAslavery.htm
This website contains accounts from sixteen different slaves. Slavery in the United States would
be a wonderful resource for both teachers and students. The students can learn about slavery
through the real life experiences from those who went through it.
Media References
8) Martin Luther King Jr. For Kids and For Teachers
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Holidays/MLK/MLK.html
A place for students and teachers to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. This website
contains factual information, songs, poems, stories and much more. A wonderful
source to use when teaching about the Civil Rights movement.
9) Anti-Slavery Reporter Magazine
Anti-Slavery Reporter is published by Anti-Slavery International. Founded in 1839, it
is the world's oldest international human rights organization and the only charity in
the United Kingdom to work exclusively against slavery and related abuses. The
journal informs both the public and policy makers about slavery issues around the
world.
Media References
10) A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman (Live Oak Read Along) (Audio Cassette)
PreSchool-Grade 3–This solid entry (HolidayHouse, 1992) in David Adlers picture book biography
series transfers smoothly to audio. With a well-paced, precisely spoken narration by Gail Nelson,
this very truncated story of the life of Harriet Tubman–from slavery to leader of the Underground
Railroad–relates the struggles and the dangers she endured. Subtle background noises add to the
competent storytelling and a couple of brief songs are beautifully sung. In-text quotes by Harriet
Tubman are read in a different voice with a southern accent, making it seem as though Tubman
is speaking. An important dates appendix is also read aloud. One side of the recording has pageturn signals.
11) Dream A World: A Child's Journey To Self-Discovery Activity Pack (Book and Audio CD)
(Activity Book and Audio CD) (Activity Book and Audio CD) (Audio CD)
Kindergarten-Grade 6--Multitalented Grammy award-winning Bunny Hull has created another
outstanding album, with 13 original songs and one original story. Joined by Ron Glass, Elayn J.
Taylor, Anindo, Nick Holdz, and the Children's Dream Choir, Hull presents songs intended to
inspire children to reach for their dreams, to strive for freedom, and to develop self-esteem and
self-affirmation. Rap, soft rock, calypso, New Age, folk rock, and Latin styles of music help make
this album a varied listening experience. Vocals and instrumentals are excellent. In the story
"Saphinne & the Young Master," Taylor tells how Great-Aunt Saphinne imparts the gift of a crystal
globe to young Master Butaan. She tells him that he is ready to use his power, which lies not in
the globe, but in his choice—his choice to keep his heart and mind open and to follow his
dreams. The songs include "I Am Somebody," "Dream a World," "Pass It On," "Flow Like a River,"
"Circle of Creativity," "Follow Your Heart" (in English and Spanish), "Over the Sky and Under the
Moon," "Master of My Dreams," "That's the Way It Works," "Free to Be Me," "Pledge to Myself,"
"The Mind Is a Funny Thing," and "Beautiful People."
Media References
12) Martin Luther King Jr. And the Civil Rights Movement: Barriers Fall (Turning Point
Series) [BLACK & WHITE] (Audio Cassette)
Two Audio Cassettes with two rolls of film depicting events in Martin Luther
Kings Life. The film is in black and white and shows marches etc. This was
designed as an educational tool. This would be a great resource to give the
children an idea of what the Civil Rights Movement was really like.
13) Sing For Freedom: Civil Rights Movement Songs
Hymns, speeches, spirituals, gospel songs, and prayers...a moving civil rights
collection drawn from 1960s field recordings in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and
Tennessee. The compilation captures the irrepressible spirit of that era and reveals a
determined and triumphant African American culture. A collection of glorious songs
and heart stopping selections by The SNCC Freedom Singers, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Ralph Abernathy, and others. "...there is wonderful singing here, great conviction,
and the immediacy of living truth...powerful documentation of the most important
social movement of our time." -- Sing Out! --This text refers to the Audio CD
edition.
Media References
14) Slavery and the Making of America [SOUNDTRACK]
In Slavery, Whalen evokes, without specifically playing, work songs and folk styles, and finally
presents a symphonic suite that looks back at those roots. But he speaks in a New World voice.
Although, as with many soundtracks, it doesn't entirely work apart from the film, this is
sophisticated scoring. This CD includes songs such as Work Song, Black women in the colonies,
From People to Property, Vision of Black and White, and Harriett’s Theme. Slavery and the
Making of America would be a great resource to use, so that children can get an understanding of
slavery through listening to music.
15) In Search Of Freedom: Excerpts From His Most Memorable Speeches [Spoken Word]
[ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
Martin Luther King Jr.
In Search Of Freedom has excerpts from some of Martin Luther King’s most memorable speeches.
Some of the speeches include: Faith In America, Dr. King’s Entrance Into The Civil Rights
Movement, and I Have A Dream. The children can get to know more about Martin Luther King Jr.
and the Civil Rights Movement by listening to some of his speeches.
16) Martin Luther King Jr. (Computer Software)
Description: It was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream that people of all races would someday all live
and work together in harmony. Learn about his life and his amazing achievements. Crossword
and word search puzzles, dot-to-dots, matching games, coloring book pages, picture jumbles and
a presentation help you learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. Windows/Mac Ages 5-10
Media References
17) African American History and Tribute CD (Computer Software)
From before the slave trade to the liberation of the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans
have shared the country’s trials and triumphs. The segregationist orientation they have been
faced with through the ages continues - In his historical 1791 letter to President Thomas
Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker wrote - "I suppose it is a truth too well attested to you, to need a
proof here, that we are a race of beings, who have long labored under the abuse and censure of
the world; that we have long been looked upon with an eye of contempt, and that we have long
been considered rather as brutish than human, and scarcely capable of mental endowments."
However, America’s colored community has spawned some of its greatest statesmen, religious
leaders and literary personages - and displayed a level of courage and endurance The African
American History and Tribute CD traces the emergence and development of America’s colored
community - from its initial years of oppression to present-day maturity. This compilation holds a
chronicle of historical African American background material. Included are rare, period-specific
manuscripts that addressed contemporary issues as well as miscellaneous historical articles from
leading Ohio newspapers, and speeches dating back as far as 1864. This definitive collection also
features pamphlets on black slavery and culture, groundbreaking press releases and serial articles
from the African Methodist Episcopal Church Review that accurately reflect how colored
Americans saw themselves in the turbulent preceding centuries. You will also be able to trace
African American military history and relive some of the debates that black participation in the
Armed Forces spawned in bygone ages. The immense wealth of vintage photographs included in
the visuals section cover diverse topics from the black representation in the Civil War and
baseball, and also features several private and government collections
Media References
18) If You Lived When There was Slavery in America by Anne Kamma and Pamela Johnson
It is hard to imagine that, once, a person in America could be "owned" by another
person. But from the time the colonies were settled in the 1600s until the end of the
Civil War in 1865, millions of black people were bought and sold like goods. Where
did the slaves come from? Where did they live when they were brought to this
country? What kind of work did they do? With compassion and respect for the
enslaved, this book answers questions children might have about this dismal era in
American history.
19) Slavery In America Image Gallery, http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/scripts/sia/gallery.cgi
The Image Gallery includes photographs, cartoons, and other images during the time of slavery
through the time of the Civil Rights Movement. The Slavery In America Image Gallery would be a
great resource for students to use to get a better understanding of slavery and the Civil Rights
Movement.
Media References
20) Black History’s Heroes,
http://www.aamcleveland.org/aameducation/images/Blackhistorywebpage.ppt#256,1,Slide1
Black History’s Heroes is a power point presentation that highlights the African American Heroes
in history. This presentation includes information about each of these heroes, photographs during
this time period, and trivia questions. This power point can be a resource for children or teachers.