I always struggle to find the best activities for my students when it comes to history. I want to make sure that whatever topic is being discussed, they are getting accurate and unbiased information. This is why I worked exhaustively to create Black history units – for not only my own use but to share with other educators as well. Today I’m sharing my newest unit, Rosa Parks activities for kindergarten, first, second, and third grade. You can grab all of these activities HERE. Check out out the activities below!

–>Rosa Parks Activities<–

This resource contains 13 activities for your Black history unit. Black history is American history and can be taught during any time of the year – not only in February. We hope that this resource will help you to have rich and engaging conversations with your students. It is our goal to help you educate your students on the challenges faced by African Americans, as well as their contributions to our country. We hope you and your students enjoy these Rosa Parks activities. 

Slideshow Presentation

Using real-life pictures, this slideshow shares information about the life and achievements of Rosa Parks. Use this slideshow to introduce students to Rosa Parks. The slideshow comes in a PDF format.

Vocabulary Cards & Vocabulary Check

This unit identifies six vocabulary words that can be studied and discussed throughout the unit. Each vocabulary word is defined in a kid-friendly definition. The words are presented in two different formats: word wall card size and a smaller size for students to cut out and store in a sandwich bag. The children can write the definition on the back of each card. There is a worksheet included with a vocabulary check activity.

Posters

There are three posters with information about Rosa Parks. The first and second poster are cartoon images (both in color and black & white), the last photo is a real-life image of Rosa Parks. These posters can be hung around in the room or distributed to students.

Emergent Reader

Students can read and color this book, which coordinates well with the slideshow. There is also a color copy of this book that can be printed and laminated to be used in the classroom library.

Reading Passage & Comprehension Check

There are two reading passages and comprehension pages. Use these reading passages during your social studies lesson or integrate social studies into your reading curriculum with these passages. Read these passages together as a class, in groups, or independently depending on the reading level of your students. After your students read each passage,  they will complete a simple comprehension activity that relates to what they have read.

Was – Had – Wanted  Chart

This graphic organizer is for writing down information that the students learn about Rosa Parks. After spending some time learning about Rosa Parks, discuss some of the things he “was”, ”had” and “wanted”. This includes his characteristics, achievements and goals. There are several versions of the graphic organizer; use the one that is best for your students. Use the words on the last three pages to create an anchor chart together with the students.

Word Web

Use this graphic organizer to write down information about Rosa Parks, such as “boycott”, “Alabama” or “protest”. This word web can be used as part of the pre-writing process or can be filled out after viewing the slideshow.

Research Report

These research report pages are for the students to document the information they learned about Rosa Parks.  Use these pages after viewing the slideshow or in combination with the reading passages. Alternatively, students can collect information by working in groups or independently, or reading relevant non-fiction books. These pages can also be used to plan and brainstorm ideas in the pre-writing process.

Writing

There are 20 blank writing pages to choose from. Some pages have a clip art picture of Rosa Parks, others have real-life images. Students can use the pages with real-life images and write about what they think may be happening in the picture. These pages can be used at the end of the unit to assess what students have learned.

Crossword Puzzle

This crossword puzzle will provide students with a fun and engaging way to review vocabulary words from this unit. Students use the pictures to complete the crossword puzzle. This crossword puzzle is great for early finishers or can be used during small groups, centers, morning work or homework.

Word Search

This is a fun activity for early finishers or can be used during centers, morning work or homework. The words are created in a clear font and words appear across and down only. No words are diagonal, backwards or overlapped. Perfect for students to reinforce their vocabulary words!

Write the Room

Write the room is a favorite in my kindergarten classroom. To prepare this activity, simply print, cut, and laminate the themed cards and then print a recording sheet. Place cards around the room. Students will walk with a clipboard around the room to find the cards. Then they will match the picture on the card to the one of their recording sheets and write the word from the card. There are several different variations of the recording sheet for differentiation.

Craft

This craft is a fun way for the students to display what they have learned. Print one page for each student, then  have them color and cut on the dotted lines. The students should read the information on each page and arrange the pages in chronological order. The students can either glue or staple the pages together.

These Rosa Parks activities are perfect for teaching your students about the life and achievements of Rosa Parks. I hope you found these resources useful, let me know which activity you’re looking forward to using in your classroom.

Click here for book recommendations!

Click here for more units!

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The post Rosa Parks Activities for Kindergarten – 3rd Grade first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

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These inspiring books about Rosa Parks for kids for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids

1. Rosa 

Author: Nikki Giovanni

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s evocative text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.

2. Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)

Author: Lisbeth Kaiser

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist’s life.”

3. I Am Rosa Parks

Author: Brad Meltzer

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3^rd

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography – for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a vivacious, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was biography series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself and other African Americans by staying seated, and as a result she helped end public bus segregation and launch the country’s Civil Rights Movement.

4. National Geographic Readers: Rosa Parks

Author: Kitson Jazynka

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

Buy Here

Find out about the life of Rosa Parks and how her actions in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 helped end racial segregation in America.  This book follows the same standards as other National Geographic Readers with the same careful text, brilliant photographs, and fun approach that kids love. The life story of Rosa Parks has enduring lessons to teach us and this biography should appeal to kids, parents, and teachers

Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more inspiring books about Rosa Parks for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our unit on Rosa Parks unit!

Join Us!

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks and resources for your students!

–>Instagram<–

–>Facebook<–

–>Teachers Pay Teachers<–

–>YouTube<–

–>Pinterest<–

The post Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

1. Coretta Scott

   

• Author: Ntozake Shange
• Age Level: 4 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 4
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

Multiple starred reviews greeted this amazing collaboration between Ntozake Shange and Kadir Nelson. As Booklist put it: “Poet and painter have joined forces to offer an indelible, emotional expression of the strength, beauty, and joy of one woman’s character.” Celebrated poet and playwright Ntozake Shange captures the spirit of Civil Rights pioneer Coretta Scott King in this picture book biography gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott Medal artist Kadir Nelson. Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality bean to grow.

2. Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

• Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
• Age Level: 6 and up
• Grade Level: 1st and up
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. Told through Andrea Davis Pinkney’s poetic prose and Brian Pinkney’s evocative illustration, the stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical event when they united as one and inspiring kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.

3. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Author: Doreen Rappaport
• Age Level: 6 – 8
• Grade Level: 1^st – 3^rd
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier’s stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and web sites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.

4. My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Author: Martin Luther King III
• Age Level: 4 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 3
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

5. My Dream of Martin Luther King

  

• Author: Faith Ringgold
• Age Level: 6 – 9
• Grade Level: 1^st – 4^th
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

Illustrated in full color. The acclaimed author/illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Tar Beach recounts her unique vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. by describing a dream she had about the great civil rights leader. The dream includes scenes of King’s childhood and the major events of his life, from the boycott of the segregated buses to his “I Have a Dream” speech to his assassination. Illustrated in Ringgold’s signature folk-art style, the text includes the author’s own personal vision, in which she imagines the people of the world gathering in King’s memory to trade prejudice, fear, and hate for hope, peace, and love.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Author: Robin Nelson
• Age Level: 5 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 2^nd 
• Buy Here

A basic overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension.

7. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

  

• Author: Stephanie Fitzgerald
• Age Level: 6 – 7
• Grade Level: 1^st – 2nd
• Buy Here

Follow Ranger Rick as he gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) a fun and fascinating tour of some of the most spectacular places in the United States. Stunning photos, fun and informative text, and a helpful field guide introduce the wonder of America’s national parks to the youngest readers. Young readers will love learning about the man behind this important monument and seeing his story woven into the design of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. They’ll also explore The Civil Rights Movement, one of the most important periods in American history.

20 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our unit on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The post 7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

I always struggle to find the best activities for my students when it comes to history. I want to make sure that whatever topic is being discussed, they are getting accurate and unbiased information. This is why I worked exhaustively to create Black history units – for not only my own use but to share with other educators as well. Today I’m sharing my newest unit, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. activities for kindergarten, first, second, and third grade. You can grab all of these activities HERE. Check out out the activities below!

–>Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Activities<–

This resource contains 13 activities for your Black history unit. Black history is American history and can be taught during any time of the year – not only in February. We hope that this resource will help you to have rich and engaging conversations with your students. It is our goal to help you educate your students on the challenges faced by African Americans, as well as their contributions to our country. We hope you and your students enjoy these Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. activities. 

Slideshow Presentation

Using real-life pictures, this slideshow shares information about the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Use this slideshow to introduce students to Dr. King. The slideshow comes in a PDF format.

Vocabulary Cards & Vocabulary Check

This unit identifies six vocabulary words that can be studied and discussed throughout the unit. Each vocabulary word is defined in a kid-friendly definition. The words are presented in two different formats: word wall card size and a smaller size for students to cut out and store in a sandwich bag. The children can write the definition on the back of each card. There is a worksheet included with a vocabulary check activity.

Posters

There are three posters with information about Dr. King. The first and second poster are cartoon images (both in color and black & white), the last photo is a real-life image of Dr. King. These posters can be hung around in the room or distributed to students.

Emergent Reader

Students can read and color this book, which coordinates well with the slideshow. There is also a color copy of this book that can be printed and laminated to be used in the classroom library.

Reading Passage & Comprehension Check

There are two reading passages and comprehension pages. Use these reading passages during your social studies lesson or integrate social studies into your reading curriculum with these passages. Read these passages together as a class, in groups, or independently depending on the reading level of your students. After your students read each passage,  they will complete a simple comprehension activity that relates to what they have read.

Was – Had – Wanted  Chart

This graphic organizer is for writing down information that the students learn about Dr. King. After spending some time learning about Dr. King, discuss some of the things he “was”, ”had” and “wanted”. This includes his characteristics, achievements and goals. There are several versions of the graphic organizer; use the one that is best for your students. Use the words on the last three pages to create an anchor chart together with the students.

Word Web

Use this graphic organizer to write down information about Dr. King, such as “civil rights activist”, “Georgia” or “Minister”. This word web can be used as part of the pre-writing process or can be filled out after viewing the slideshow.

Research Report

These research report pages are for the students to document the information they learned about Dr. King.  Use these pages after viewing the slideshow or in combination with the reading passages. Alternatively, students can collect information by working in groups or independently, or reading relevant non-fiction books. These pages can also be used to plan and brainstorm ideas in the pre-writing process.

Writing

There are 20 blank writing pages to choose from. Some pages have a clip art picture of Dr. King, others have real-life images. Students can use the pages with real-life images and write about what they think may be happening in the picture. These pages can be used at the end of the unit to assess what students have learned.

Crossword Puzzle

This crossword puzzle will provide students with a fun and engaging way to review vocabulary words from this unit. Students use the pictures to complete the crossword puzzle. This crossword puzzle is great for early finishers or can be used during small groups, centers, morning work or homework.

Word Search

This is a fun activity for early finishers or can be used during centers, morning work or homework. The words are created in a clear font and words appear across and down only. No words are diagonal, backwards or overlapped. Perfect for students to reinforce their vocabulary words!

Write the Room

Write the room is a favorite in my kindergarten classroom. To prepare this activity, simply print, cut, and laminate the themed cards and then print a recording sheet. Place cards around the room. Students will walk with a clipboard around the room to find the cards. Then they will match the picture on the card to the one of their recording sheets and write the word from the card. There are several different variations of the recording sheet for differentiation.

Craft

This craft is a fun way for the students to display what they have learned. Print one page for each student, then  have them color and cut on the dotted lines. Take one piece of construction paper and fold it into three equal parts. First, glue the words “Who, what, when, where, why” at the top of each page. Then, sort the pictures in the appropriate categories and glue them to the page.

These Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. activities are perfect for teaching your students about the life and achievements of Dr. King. I hope you found these resources useful, let me know which activity you’re looking forward to using in your classroom.

Click here for book recommendations!

Click here for more units!

Join Us!

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks and resources for your students!

–>Instagram<–

–>Facebook<–

–>Teachers Pay Teachers<–

–>YouTube<–

–>Pinterest<–

The post Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities for Kindergarten – 3rd Grade first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.