The Civil Rights Movement for Fifth Graders

Dear Educators,

As we have learned for our whole lives, we learn from our past which is why history is so important. The Civil Rights Movement was a time of growth for our nation that expanded the rights of African Americans. It is so important for students to learn about this time in American history because it allows students to learn the importance of overcoming adversity. Especially with current world events, teaching students about the reality of racism in our nation, past and present, is extremely important. In this lesson, students will learn about important events and people involved with the Civil Rights Movement.

Learning objectives:

After this lesson students should be able to…

• Explain what Civil Rights are.
• Explain what the Civil Rights Movement was.
• Be able to identify who Martin Luther King Junior and Rosa Parks are and why they were important to the success of the Civil Rights Movement.
• Be able to explain what segregation is.
• Walk away with a better understanding of why the Civil Rights Movement was such a critical time in American history.

Civil Rights are the basic rights each person gets from their countries government. In the 1950s and the 1960s, African Americans were not receiving the same rights as white people in America. People thought this was unfair and decided to demand change by peacefully protesting. This period of time is known as the Civil Rights Movement.

So,  you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement?

As we saw in the previous video, Martin Luther King Junior was a very big part of the success of the Civil Rights movement. His speech, I Have A Dream, is still remembered to this day for inspiring many.

Rosa Parks was a Civil Rights Activist who “Sat down to Stand up for Civil Rights”. Let’s learn more about her!

A big word discussed so far has been segregation. What is segregation you may ask? Segregation is the practice or policy of separating a race, class, or group from the rest of society. During the time of the Civil Rights Movement, Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Junior, Rosa Parks, and many other Americans fought peacefully to end the racial segregation in America.

Lets Reviewed what we have learned!

Civil Rights: The rights each person gets from their countries government

The Civil Rights Movement: During the 1950s and 1960s when people of color peacefully protested for the same rights as white Americans.

Civil Rights Activist: A leader who speaks up for the rights of others.

Martin Luther King Junior: A Civil Rights Activist who peacefully fought for equal rights for everyone and gave the famous. “I have a Dream” speech.

Rosa Parks: A Civil Rights Activist who refused to give up her seat on the bus and became the face for the bus boycotts.

Segregation: The practice or policy of separating a race, class, or group from the rest of society.

Discussion:

Explain the importance of each event or person or explain what it is.

1. The Civil Rights Movement
2. Martin Luther King Junior
3. Rosa Parks
4. Segregation
5. Civil Rights

If you want to learn more, use this great website!

https://www.ducksters.com/history/civil_rights/