The Story of Ruby Bridges
Common Core
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.3
Virginia Standards of Learning
K.10
1.10
2.9
Grade Level
Time Frame
30-45 minutes
Overarching Themes
Lesson Goals
1. Identify feelings and motivations of characters
2. Identify feelings and motivations of secondary/bystanders
3. Determine possible actions bystanders can take
Summary
This non-fiction account retells the story of Ruby Bridges, a young Black girl who integrated an all-White school in New Orleans. Ruby Bridges was a first-grade student who was sent to integrate an all-White elementary school. On a daily basis, she faced taunts and protestors on her way to school. All of the White parents pulled their children from the elementary school. Despite these challenges, she still continued to attend the school. Eventually, White students returned to the school. Ruby Bridges eventually graduated from the elementary school.