Engaging With History in the Classroom: The Civil Rights Movement (Grades 6-8)

Engaging With History in the Classroom: The Civil Rights Movement is the fourth in a series of middle-grade U.S. history units that focus on what it means to be an American citizen, living in a democracy that expects as much from its citizens as it provides to them. In every lesson, students are asked to step into the world of the Civil Rights movement, to hear about and to see what was happening, to read the words of real people, and to imagine their hopes, dreams, and feelings. Students also learn to question the accounts left behind and to recognize different perspectives on events that marked significant changes in the legal definitions of civil rights. Resources for teachers include a running script that's useful as a model for guiding conceptualization as well as extensive teacher notes with practical suggestions for personalizing activities.

Grades 6-8

Janice I. Robbins, Ph.D., is an instructor in gifted education at the College of William and Mary. She was formerly Curriculum Chief for the Department of Defense Schools worldwide as well as a district gifted coordinator, principal, and teacher.

Carol L. Tieso, Ph.D., serves as Associate Dean for Academic Programs and an associate professor of gifted education at the College of William and Mary. Additionally, she teaches graduate courses in gifted education and research design.