Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Holt.

Rosa Parks’ story is a well-known one, but the entire story is not. Rosa Parks did not simply refuse to move from her seat on a bus, but she set into motion events that would change the future. The story focuses on both the Rosa as a historical figure and as an ordinary woman who stood her ground and refused to budge.

Suggested lesson plan- 5th grade Social studies

After students have been introduced to the Civil rights movement, begin with Meet Rosa Activity.

Meet Rosa

Before students begin reading about Rosa Parks, have them consider the following question: Are people ever justified in breaking the law? Explain.

Have students consider circumstances where they think it might be alright to break the law.

Meet Rosa Parks:

Read Rosa aloud for the class.

Students will revist the prereading question and briefly discuss again.

Working in their groups, have students discuss why Rosa Parks was justified in breaking the law. They should write a brief paragraph explaining their reasons.

Next, have students consider what Rosa Parks could have done instead of breaking the law. Would these actions have resulted in the same outcome?

Students should be given time to develop and document their ideas before sharing with the class.

Lesson plan modified/ Original lesson plan can be found at: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/rosa-parks-how-i-fought-civil-rights-teachers-guide

5th grade Social studies

(5)  History. The student understands important issues, events, and individuals in the United States during the 20th and 21st centuries. The student is expected to:

(A)  analyze various issues and events of the 20th century such as industrialization, urbanization, increased use of oil and gas, the Great Depression, the world wars, the civil rights movement, and military actions;

 (C)  identify the accomplishments of individuals and groups such as Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Dwight Eisenhower, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who have made contributions to society in the areas of civil rights, women's rights, military actions, and politics.