About This Lesson
This a very wonderful set of resources aimed a a broad look at prejudice from pre1860 until 1961 events that involve Ruby Bridges powerful story. I urge you to really make the unit a true example of engaging experiences whatever level you are teaching. I have never had an older student that did not find the power and beauty in what are known as children's books. In this unit it will be important to let them know that The Drinking Groud is actually a song that taught those wanting to escape slavery the way. The cultural history of the The Drinking Groud has wonderful lessons that expand to infinity and beyond. They had one about the quilt used to show the way. I had a wonderful friend and HS Geometry teacher that worked it in as a unit. Each student and their family made 2 quilt squares. She focused on the geometry of translating their family symbols into actual paper and next fabric. The families loved the project as it brought them together to explore their family's history, values and special stories that were orally transmitted. The quilt squares were sewn by the families or she helped if needed. The quilting together was arranged by the students,but she actually quilted the finished product and they donated it to a variety of community causes. Typically, one went to the base-wide educational fund available to everyone of all ages. It typically made money and got a cult like following. National Georgraphic provided a game based learning resource that gives the specifics of the unit in Underground Railroad Educator Guide that is geared to upper middle and high school students.
The Rudy Bridges TED talk and her Norman Rockwell museum interview are very powerful and should be shared with the students. She is every bit amazing as you could envision that young girl to become. She humbles me with her love of her then teacher now friend. She shares her beloved 1st grade teacher, Barbara Henry stood up to her administrator and threaten to go up the chain so that Ruby have the opportunity to be educated with all her peers not be kept away from the "Hidden White Children" as that was the intention of the law. Wow! two incredible women. please dig deeper and explore these historical stories with rigor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=884SrEcQggE Ruby Bridges Goes to School - My True Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5iL7H-S99s The Story of Ruby Bridges ~ READ ALOUD by Ann Marie
Ruby, The First Black Student Ever at an All-White Public School in the South (1999) Ruby speaks to the kids. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH6bp1K0ohU
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/marquita319895-2715959-follow-thedrinking-gourd/Teachers guide and background on Follow the Drinking Gourd
Moment in Civil Rights History Nov. 14, 1960 - Ruby Bridges, Age 6, Integrates New Orleans School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-Ufz2Y6sOY
Freedoms's Legacy: A Conversation with Ruby Bridges Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvnxYDZ4ymY