Inspire Future Leaders to Learn from the Past: Civil Rights

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

My Students

Today's students are tomorrow's world leaders. It is so important for students to understand our nation's history in order to make good decisions for the future. These materials will motivate them to learn about various events and figures involved in the American Civil Rights Movement.

I teach 27 4th graders in all subject areas.

We are fortunate to be in a "looping" class, which means we'll be together for 4th and 5th grade. The range of abilities varies greatly but all of my students share an enthusiasm for learning and are exceptional at working together. My students have a special bond that creates a collaborative learning community, thus they use language as a tool to construct meaning by discussing their ideas and supporting the learning progress of everyone. My students are naturally inquisitive and their diversity generates a rich learning environment. Every student shares a unique perspective molded by his or her experiences and although the needs of students differ dramatically, all of them understand the importance of high expectations and are committed to improving learning. Despite the daily obstacles that our children face, they are incredibly resilient and hungry for knowledge. We embrace challenges. Our kids are driven to improve themselves and our world.

My Project

These books will serve as the perfect addition to our project-based research stations. Students will conduct individual and group research projects about various events, figures, and themes of the American Civil Rights Movement. Students will present their findings to younger grade levels in hopes of inspiring them to become curious historians. These books will also be an essential motivator for reluctant readers because their reading will serve an authentic purpose. The vision, passion, struggles, and triumphs involved in the civil rights movement will capture my students and allow them to formulate genuine connections with their own lives. As a result, they will take ownership in learning about our country and the world. Students will gain an understanding of how people can have both positive and negative impacts on society. Students will also be analyzing history from multiple perspectives in order to overcome media bias. The picture books will serve as models of authors' craft.

Your contribution will greatly enhance the educational opportunity for our students.

These books will ensure that our children are immersed in a literacy-rich environment. Students must be confident using digital and text resources to find information. This is critical for our kids to gain skills necessary to compete in the 21st century! Just imagine the concepts they'll be motivated to explore when they realize all the answers are at their fingertips!