Intro
Teach kindergarten students about courage and equality with Ruby Bridges activities! Get free printables that include worksheets, coloring pages, and lesson plans. Learn about Rubys iconic role in the Civil Rights Movement and how she broke racial barriers in education, perfect for Black History Month and diversity lessons.
Ruby Bridges is a symbol of courage and determination for children and adults alike. Her historic walk to school as a six-year-old girl, escorted by federal marshals, paved the way for the desegregation of schools in the United States. To help kindergarten students understand the significance of Ruby Bridges' story, we have compiled a list of engaging and educational activities, accompanied by free printables.
Ruby Bridges Story Time and Discussion
Begin by reading the story of Ruby Bridges to your kindergarten class. You can use a picture book or a simple narrative to convey the events. After reading the story, lead a class discussion to help students understand the context and significance of Ruby's actions.
- Ask questions like:
- How did Ruby feel when she was walking to school?
- Why were people protesting outside the school?
- What did Ruby's actions mean for other children?
Ruby Bridges Vocabulary Building
Introduce kindergarten students to vocabulary related to Ruby Bridges' story, such as "courage," "desegregation," and " equality." Use the following activities to help build their vocabulary:
- Create a word wall with vocabulary words and have students match the words to their definitions.
- Use flashcards to review vocabulary words and have students repeat the words after you.
Ruby Bridges Art Projects
Engage your kindergarten students in various art projects to help them express their thoughts and feelings about Ruby Bridges' story. Some ideas include:
- Drawing a picture of Ruby walking to school, escorted by federal marshals.
- Creating a collage of Ruby's favorite things, such as flowers or animals.
- Making a paper plate mask of Ruby Bridges, highlighting her courageous smile.
Ruby Bridges Writing Activities
Encourage kindergarten students to express their thoughts and feelings about Ruby Bridges' story through writing activities. Some ideas include:
- Writing a short story about Ruby's first day of school.
- Composing a poem about courage and determination.
- Creating a "Thank You" card for Ruby Bridges, expressing appreciation for her bravery.
Ruby Bridges Math Activities
Incorporate math activities into your Ruby Bridges lesson plan to help kindergarten students develop their problem-solving skills. Some ideas include:
- Counting the number of federal marshals escorting Ruby to school.
- Measuring the distance from Ruby's home to her school.
- Creating a graph to show the number of students in Ruby's class.
Ruby Bridges Science Activities
Connect Ruby Bridges' story to science activities that promote curiosity and exploration. Some ideas include:
- Exploring the concept of equality by creating a balance scale with different objects.
- Discussing the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
- Creating a " peaceful protest" sign using recycled materials.
Ruby Bridges Free Printables
To support your kindergarten lesson plan, we offer the following free printables:
- Ruby Bridges story sequencing activity
- Ruby Bridges vocabulary matching game
- Ruby Bridges writing prompt worksheet
- Ruby Bridges math worksheet (counting and basic addition)
- Ruby Bridges science activity worksheet (exploring equality and empathy)
Ruby Bridges Image Gallery
By incorporating these activities and free printables into your kindergarten lesson plan, you will help your students develop a deeper understanding of Ruby Bridges' courageous story and its significance in American history. Encourage your students to share their thoughts and feelings about Ruby's story, and provide opportunities for them to express their creativity and empathy.