Lesson Plans and Classroom Activities for the Elementary Classroom Introduction to Diversity – “We Are All Like Crayons” - Primary African Americans of Great Character – Separate Lessons for Primary and Intermediate Notable African Americans – Separate Lessons for Primary and Intermediate Biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Primary and Intermediate African American Timeline – Intermediate Analyzing Famous Quotations – Intermediate African American Historic Sites - Intermediate
GRADE LEVEL: Social Studies – Elementary – Intermediate TITLE: Analyzing Famous Quotations OBJECTIVES: Objectives from the Florida Standards are noted with FS. The students will analyze public statements made by notable African Americans. The students will engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. (FS) SUGGESTED TIME: 60 minutes DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES: OPTIONAL: Quote of the Day - Since there are nearly 30 quotes included on ““Inspirational Quotes from African American Leaders,” you may opt to use these as the quote of the day during Black History Month. If you select this option rather than the full lesson plan below, it is high recommended that students be given the opportunity to interpret and paraphrase the quote each day. Explain that in today’s activity, students will read and interpret (understand or explain) famous quotations by African American leaders. To introduce students to the activity, discuss the following quotation: "You really can change the world if you care enough." Marian Wright Edelman (American activist for the rights of children; President and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund.) Ask students to explain what they feel the quote means in their own words. Explain that this is called paraphrasing (rewording, summarizing). Explain that the ability to paraphrase a quote or something they have read shows they understand it. Divide the class into small groups and distribute copies of “Inspirational Quotes from African American Leaders” to each group. (The quotations are provided in the Background section of this instructional resource guide). Also distribute copies of the “Interpreting Quotations Worksheet” (provided) to each group. Ask each group to select three (3) quotations to interpret. Answer the questions for each of the three (3) quotes selected. Provide each group with the ability to search online for references regarding the quote, if needed. (i.e., information on the author of the quote). Discuss the quotes selected and interpreted by each group.
"Practice random acts of kindness." Discuss the following quotes about kindness. “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain “Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most.” Ashliiegh Brilliant “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.” Confucious “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo F. Buscaglia “Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower.” S. H. Simmons Use the letters of “KINDNESS” to create acrostic poems. Use these poems to create a bulletin board. Words are powerful. They motivate, inspire, express emotion, bring joy and give confidence. Use your words to: Write notes of appreciation to the cafeteria workers, janitors, or other staff members who don't normally receive recognition. Tell someone that they are special. Write a letter, or for younger kids, help them write a letter to someone, telling them how much they are appreciated. Write a letter to a friend, classmate or co-worker, highlighting their strengths. Play "10 Good Things” - Say ten good things about someone. Have staff and children be on the lookout for Random Acts of Kindness throughout the week. Supply forms to nominate students that they see doing acts of kindness during the school day. Take the children's picture and display it on a school bulletin board. Also recognize the children over the morning announcements or during school-wide assemblies. Service Learning and Kindness - Feeding the hungry, donating presents to the poor, and performing errands for the elderly are all ways that people can donate time towards the community and demonstrate the importance of kindness. Working together, kids learn to solve problems and make decisions and successfully contribute to their community. They connect local concerns with global issues and gain