Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Holt.

We all know the story of Rosa Parks and the bus ride, but did you also know that she was a seamstress, a mother and a wife?  I didn't know this until after I read Mr. Giovanni's book Rosa.   This is a book that could lead to many discussions of equality and segregation.

Lesson Plans for Rosa:

Read Rosa to the class, also have available other short stories about Rosa Parks, Martin L.King, Jr. and other books from that time period.  Divide the class into two groups; stickers and non-stickers, brown eyes and other color eyes.  Treat one group with respect, give them lots of praises, etc. and the other group ignore them, don't let them talk, etc.  Then switch the groups.  After the second time have students write down how they felt in both groups and discuss the positive changes that have occurred because of Rosa Parks.

(13)  Citizenship. The student understands characteristics of good citizenship as exemplified by historical figures and other individuals. The student is expected to:

(A)  identify characteristics of good citizenship, including truthfulness, justice, equality, respect for oneself and others, responsibility in daily life, and participation in government by educating oneself about the issues, respectfully holding public officials to their word, and voting;