Literary Study of the Civil Rights Movement

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Nickie Jones

Subject Area: Communication Arts/Integrated

Grade Range: High School (9-12)

Materials Needed:

• Computer with Internet access
• PowerPoint software
• Camcorder for video newscast
• Novel Black Like Me, by John Howard Griffin
• Copies of local obituaries as examples

Instructional Strategy: Prior Knowledge & Connections

Process Standards:

• Goal 1.2 conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas
• Goal 1.4 use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information

Content Standards:

• Communication Arts 4. Writing formally (such as reports, narratives, essays) and informally (such as outlines, notes)
• Communication Arts 6. Participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas

  G.L.E.:
  

  • CA - Re - 1 - I - 09
    (Reading
    payday loans cash advances

    , Grade 9-12.)

  Time Allowance: 3-4 weeks (on a block schedule)

  Description: This unit is designed to combine students'' knowledge of the civil rights movement and its effects--John Howard Griffin (author), Martin Luther King, Jr., multicultural

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  Classroom Component:
  This unit is designed to combine students' knowledge of the civil rights movement and its effects, students' abilities to read and evaluate literature, and students' skills in applying technology to various situations.
  
  Students will read the novel Black Like Me, by John Howard Griffin, and complete activities based on the novel. They will write a letter about segregation, write an obituary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., write a journal entry as an extension of the novel, prepare a PowerPoint presentation about an influential figure from the civil rights era, and prepare a video newscast about an event from the civil rights movement.
  
  All activities will incorporate technology: students will visit various Web sites to gather information for the writing activities. Students should include relevant photos downloaded from the Internet in their presentations.
  
  Teacher Notes:
  
  The cooperative portion of the unit is the video news broadcast. Students pick their own groups (they may also use "outsiders" to play roles). They may videotape on their own time away from school or use the school's camcorder and tape during a class session. These videos are then shown during our "celebration" when we have a soul food potluck dinner. (Every student makes and brings a traditional Southern dish.) PowerPoint presentations are done in the computer lab using the projector. Students simply read their information to the class, giving any additional information as needed.

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  SCHEDULE OF LESSONS
  
  Lesson 1:
  
  Read and discuss the novel Black Like Me, by John Howard Griffin.
  
  Lesson 2:
  
  Visit the virtual museum Web site for the novel and complete the various activities described.
  
  Exhibit Hall 1 —letter about segregation
  Exhibit Hall 2 —voting rights in Alabama (we just discuss this one)
  Exhibit Hall 3 —obituary for Dr. King
  Exhibit Hall 4 —journal entry
  Lesson 3:
  
  Present a news broadcast for a teen audience describing a newsworthy historical civil rights event.
  
  Lesson 4:
  
  Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on an influential figure from the civil rights era.
  
  
  MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE
  Black Like Me, a Study of Civil Rights
  African-American Lit. Unit
  Internet Project