Needs Assessment:

    This curriculum unit presents an overview of the Civil Rights movement in the United States from 1950 until the assasination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in April, 1968.  This unit has been developed to expose fourth grade children, regardless of their race, ethnic or cultural heritage, to a monumental period in United States history.  Most children are familiar with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X.  However, there are many other equally important and influential figures and events which helped to shape the course of the Civil Rights Movement in America.

    It seems as though the only time African-American history, particularly the Civil Rights movement, is taught is during Black History Month in February.  Due to the fact that our public schools are becoming more and more diverse in terms of ethnic and cultural background, it is imperative that all children become tolerant of the many ethnic groups that make up this country.  One way to introduce the validity of other cultures and their contributions to this country is by presenting a learning unit on the struggle for civil rights of African-Americans.  Not only will this type of a lesson plan hopefully instill a sense of pride among African-American children, but it can demonstrate to students of all races and ethnicities that struggle for freedom often comes at a heavy price.  Even though this unit has been prepared with young students in mind, I hope that as a result of their participation in this unit, they will begin to examine the history of the United States with a critical eye.  In this sense, I see myself as a pragmatist in my philosophy regarding curriculum.  Furthermore, I have designed this unit in hopes of raising a greater awareness among elementary students of the scope and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, while at the same time challenging their perspectives of this time period.
 

Goals:

From this thematic unit, it is hoped that each child will accomplish the following goals:

    1.    Gain an appreciation for the value of freedom and the great amount of effort it takes to achieve it.

    2.    Appreciate and practice tolerance of all people, regardless of ethnic, racial, or cultural background.

    3.    Understand the hurt and suffering that discrimination and intolerance can cause.

    4.    Realize that the Civil Rights Movement was fought not only by African-Americans but members of other ethnic groups as well.

    5.    Learn about the value of perseverance.