I
developed this lesson to go with a 6th grade unit on ancient Kush.
As my students discuss the issues of race and skin color from the
perspectives of the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Greeks, and 20th
century American filmmakers, they also make connections to civil rights
issues in the Unitied States.
Christopher
Paul Curtis has done an excellent job of using humor and compassion
to explain the experience of growing up as an African-American in
the 60's. Through the eyes of Kenny, the reader can travel from Michigan
to Alabama, arriving in Birmingham just in time to witness one of
the darkest moments in our nation's struggle for civil rights: the
bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Materials
Needed
I begin
the lesson by reading Mychal Wynn's The
Eagles Who Thought They Were Chickens. Both the story and accompanying
activities work for ages kindergarten through adult. The story is
also an excellent transition piece if you using African
Folktales - Stories from the Heart and Land.
In addition
to student copies of The Watson Go to Birmingham, I recommend
purchasing Oh, Freedom! Kids Talk About the Civil Rights Movement
With the People Who Made It Happen (Casy King and Linda Brett
Osborne)
