Rosa Parks, Reformer

Rosa Parks, Reformer
Mamie Eisenhower: Religion, Social Issues and Reform

Skill: Elementary School
Time Required: One class period


Introduction:

The decision by Rosa Parks in 1955 to refuse to give up her seat on a public bus came only a year after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision in Topeka, Kansas  was made by the Supreme Court.  Both of these events occurred during Ike’s first administration, and Mamie was surely aware of them.

Objectives:

The purpose of this lesson is to reinforce the power of just one individual to effect social change.    

Materials Required:

Access to the Internet.

Procedures:

1.  Ask students if they are familiar with Rosa Parks.  Review her “story” with them and her contribution to the Civil Rights movement, the immediate results (her arrest) and long-range results. 

2.  Ask students to reflect on something about which they feel that strongly.  Have them write a story about it in which a person takes clear action that leads to positive social change.

Extending the Lesson:

The teacher may ask students to create a storyboard for their scenario rather than a short story.  

Sources & Resources:

Websites:

Credits:

This lesson was developed by Bette Brooks, Kent State University.

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