Teacher: Klein

Lesson: Social Studies/2nd grade

Standard: SS2H1 The student will read about and describe the lives of historical figures
Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. in Georgia History.

a. Identify the contributions made by Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. to improving civil
rights.
b. Describe how everyday life of Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. was similar to and different
from everyday life in the present (food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation,
rights, and freedoms).

Summary/Overview
The focus of this lesson is to give students an opportunity to discuss the historical issues of
discrimination surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson and compare/contrast
those issues to current events and personal experiences.
Suggested Vocabulary
equality
prejudice

equal rights

segregation

integration

PROCEDURES
Phase 1: Sparking the Discussion (Hook)
Pass out Skittles ONLY to students with blue eyes. Watch the response from the students who
were not given a treat. Ask: How does it feel to be treated unfairly? Have you ever
experienced being treated unfairly? What are some possible reasons? Ask students why groups
of people might treat each other unfairly. Provide time for students to Think-Pair-Share.
Students may write down a few ideas on their whiteboards to share with the class.
Phase 2: Acquiring Content Needed to Participate in Discussion
Focus question: How did Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson react to their
environments? How were they influenced by their environments?
Students will review American Heroes Biographies on Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie
Robinson in small groups.

Phase 3: Kindling the Discussion

The teacher will have the students work in small groups to fill in a Venn Diagram about
what they have learned about the everyday life of Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr.
and compare it to everyday life in the present (as it relates food, clothing, homes, transportation,
communication, recreation, rights, and freedoms).

Each group will present their information to the class and the teacher will record all information
from the group Venn Diagrams onto a Venn Diagram poster that can be displayed in the class.
Phase 4: Synthesis Activity
6. Students will use the Venn Diagram poster to complete a writing assignment. The writing
will include: How was the everyday life of Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King Jr. similar
and different from everyday life in the present.
Summarizing Activity (Product Differentiation)
7. Students will be given a choice board (Think-Tac-Toe) to demonstrate how Martin Luther
King Jr. and Jackie Robinson reacted to their environments and were influenced by them.
RESOURCES
Anchor Text
American Heroes Biographies Houghton Mifflin Martin Luther King Jr.
American Heroes Biographies Houghton Mifflin Jackie Robinson
Houghton Mifflin Social Studies Our State: Citizens Make a Difference pages 188-194
Technology
Brainpopjr.com/martinlutherkingjr