Civil Rights and Responsibilities
1. Write the following sentences on the board:
- It's your turn.
- You were before me.
- She can join our group.
- I think he needs help; let's ask him.
- We can share the materials.
2. After reading the sentences with the class, lead a discussion about each sentence using the following questions:
- When would you use this sentence?
- How do you think others would feel when they heard you?
- How do sentences like these help you to show respect for others?
Discuss with students that our words and actions are important in showing respect. Respecting the rights of others helps guarantee their rights.
3. Make simple tunics from butcher paper. Paint the tunics different colors. Some of the tunics should be painted solid colors; some should be painted with stripes and some with flowers. The tunics should be large enough to drape over students' bodies.
Create role-playing situations for the students in which they:
- Help a student wearing the same tunic design as their own to feel comfortable in class.
- Choose their friends on the basis of the tunics they wear.
- Do not allow someone to join their game because he or she is dressed in the wrong tunic.
Relate the above situations to the efforts of Martin Luther King, Jr. in guaranteeing civil rights for all people - not just for some people.
4. Discuss with the class some ways in which you can make sure that everyone has a chance to play with the toys, ride the bikes, be first, etc.
Role play some of their suggestions. Evaluate their behavior during different activities on the basis of whether or not they are sharing and being fair.
Role play some of their suggestions. Evaluate their behavior during different activities on the basis of whether or not they are sharing and being fair.
5. Select three or four "Freedom songs" from those sung during the Freedom marches. Discuss the symbolism of each song. Ask:
- How do songs help bring people together?
- Which song became the theme song for civil rights demonstrations?
Have students learn two or three Freedom songs and perform them for other classes. During the performance, explain the symbolism of each song.