Erynn MooreheadCS 150Pre-K – 5 technology cluster teacher

Audience: This lesson is intended for students in grades 4 and 5. It can be executed in a computer lab or classroom setting.

Skill: Persuasive writing

Hook: Students will be prompted to make a connection between the story of Ruby Bridges and Maritcha’s experience trying to attend the local high school (pgs. 34-39).

Students will be asked: How do you think Maritcha felt about not being able to attend the local high school? What do you think that she said in her speech before the Rhode Island state legislature?

Assignment: Write a speech, from Maritcha’s point of view, to express to the state legislature your reasons for wanting to attend school. Also, include reasons why the legislature should integrate the school.

This assignment will take approximately 4 class periods to complete. If done in a computer lab, students can always create graphic organizers in Kidspiration/Inspriation to keep track of their ideas for the speech.