This lesson introduces students to Rosa Parks and the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. After considering the impact of Ms. Parks' heroism, students will explore its relevance to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. Students will learn new vocabulary and will answer a questionnaire that will be published on the web. Students will then create a tribute to Rosa Parks' heroism that will be submitted to a classroom book.

handouts (see attached), book The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, poster board, markers, rulers

Computers with Internet access, LCD projector for viewing video clips

Students need to be familiar with using the Internet.

1.)Teacher: "Who is the woman many call, "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement?" Her name is Rosa Parks. She was also awarded the NAACP's Spingarn Medal and the Martin Luther King, Jr. nonviolent-peace prize. In 1984, Rosa Parks was given the Eleanor Roosevelt Woman of Courage award. Where did this legacy begin?"
To begin the unit, ask students what they know about Civil Rights and Rosa Parks. Record their responses on a poster board under the heading "K" (know). Then ask the students what they want to learn, and write their comments under the "W". When the mini-unit is completed, return to the charts with the students and on another poster board record responses of what they have learned ("L").
(Thinkfinity Interactive---Mighty Tolerance)
Video

2.)The teacher will read The Story of Ruby Bridges to the class. This is a story about a little girl named Ruby. She was the first African American to go to the all-white school and because of this she encountered many hardships. The teacher will then lead a discussion by asking the students if they have ever stood up for something that they felt was right. The class will then discuss how they would have felt/reacted if they were in Ruby's place. The teacher will explain to the class that Rosa Parks suffered the same kind of persecution that Ruby did.

3.)In the computer lab or media center, write the URL on the board and ask students to listen for directions: A quiz will be given on the bold words found throughout the slides, so each student should take notes on the definitions (Click on the words and the link will show the definition). Explain to the students that at the end of the slides everyone will need to respond to the, "How would you feel?" question posted on the web. The teacher will answer any questions that the students may have. The teacher will then tell the students that they may begin. The teacher will walk around and monitor the students' progress.
(Rosa Parks: How I Fought for Civil Rights)
"The Mother of the Modern-day Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks," describes her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and helps students understand the importance of every individual citizen in a democracy.

4.)As a class activity, go to the APT Plus website and search for "Montgomery Bus Boycott." Under key concepts, view the video clip, "Montgomery Bus Boycott." After viewing this clip and discussing students' reactions, view the clip, "Supreme Court Declares Segregation on Buses Illegal." Then ask for feedback on students' thoughts and feelings about the court decision.
(APT Plus)
The teacher will need to have previously requested a free account for this site.

5.)Each student will be assigned to write a tribute to Rosa Parks. The students will then use their creativity to create a title and a tribute as if they were writing a speech in her behalf. Students will be allowed to do additional research if they wish. When the students have completed their compositions, they will become a part of a class book entitled, "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement."

Students will be assessed based on the vocabulary words. (see attachment)

This lesson can be extended to the study of The Civil Rights Movement or Martin Luther King, Jr.

The teacher can group students according to ability to view the websites. The teacher may also read the quiz aloud to the students who lack reading skills.