Curriculum  /  ELA  /  6th Grade  /  Unit 1: Finding Your Way: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963  /  Lesson 17

Finding Your Way: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 1

6th Grade

Lesson 17 of 32

Objective

Explain the purpose and impact of "The Green Book" using text, audio, and visual resources.

Readings and Materials

  • Book: The Negro Motorist Green Book, 1949 Edition 

  • Audio Interview: 'Green Book' Helped African Americans Travel Safely 

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A Note for Teachers

Both texts students study today use outdated terms to refer to Black people. Despite being used more widely in the past, they are no longer appropriate to be used. As a part of intellectual preparation for this unit, refer to the following sources to build a deeper understanding. 

Target Task

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Writing Prompt

Explain why "The Green Book" became especially necessary during this time period using both sources.

Sample Response

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Key Questions

Key Questions

  • How does the introduction of "The Green Book" support the ideas communicated in the interview?

  • Explain the role of advertisements in "The Green Book" by describing specific advertisements and their purpose.

  • According to the interview, what inspired Green to create "The Green Book"? 

  • On page 132 of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963, Kenny asks, "Momma, how come we don't just drive until Dad gets tired, then stop?". Using both of the resources you worked with today, answer Kenny's question. Provide at least two pieces of evidence, one from each resource.

Exit Ticket

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Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

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Vocabulary

Text-based

prevalent

adj.

common, widespread ( "'Green Book' Helped African Americans Travel Safely", Bond)

Homework

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To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 138 – 161 — Chapters 10 and 11

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What does Kenny discover about the bathrooms at the Ohio rest area? How does he respond?

  • What does Joey do during the car ride?

  • What does Dad decide to do instead of stopping to stay at a hotel? Why does he make this decision? 

  • How does Momma respond when they stop in the Appalachian mountains at night? Why?

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Common Core Standards

  • RI.6.7 — Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

Supporting Standards

L.6.6
RI.6.2
RI.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.2
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.b
W.6.2.a
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.b

Next

Analyze how the author develops and contrasts characters' perspectives in The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963.

Lesson 18
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