📖

Ruby Bridges: Brave First Grader

More American Heroes

Day 42of 180
Week 9of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Learn about Ruby Bridges' courage in desegregating schools

2

Understand how God gives strength to stand for what is right

3

Recognize the importance of treating all people with love

📖 Scripture Connection

Joshua 1:9

“Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid, and don't be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

Ruby Bridges showed incredible courage, just like God encouraged Joshua to be strong

📦 Materials Needed

  • Hero biography card about Ruby Bridges
  • White paper
  • Crayons or colored pencils
  • Picture of Ruby Bridges
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and ask, 'What does courage mean? Can you be brave even when you're young?'

💭 Review Question: What makes someone a hero?
2Teaching (10 min)

Tell the story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old girl who was the first Black child to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. Explain how she showed bravery by going to school every day, even when people were unkind.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Ruby was only six years old
  • She was the first Black child in her school
  • She needed protection from marshals
  • She stayed brave and kind
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do you think Ruby felt?
  • What would you do if someone was mean to you?
  • How can we show love to everyone?
3Activity: Courage Collage (7 min)
hands-on art

Students will create a picture showing Ruby's bravery, using drawings and words

📝 Instructions:
  1. Fold paper in half
  2. On one side, draw Ruby going to school
  3. On other side, draw how she might have felt
  4. Write one word about courage
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher helps draw outlines

Challenge: Write a short sentence about Ruby's bravery

4Closing (3 min)

Remind students that God gives us courage to do what is right

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who was Ruby Bridges?
  • Why was she brave?
  • How can we be brave like Ruby?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us be brave and kind like Ruby. Teach us to love everyone, just as You love us.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about Benjamin Franklin, another amazing American hero!

💎 Memory Verse

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.”

— 1 John 4:18 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Love Hearts: Draw a heart and write one word of the verse on each section

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Ruby Bridges integrated an elementary school in 1960, symbolizing the civil rights movement

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language about racism
  • Focus on Ruby's courage and kindness
  • Emphasize God's love for all people
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might not understand historical context of segregation

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Empathy and understanding about treating others fairly

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Read a children's book about Ruby Bridges
  • Watch a child-friendly video about her story
  • Discuss ways to be kind to everyone at school

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 43 →Back to History & Social Studies