Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Reading Martin’s Big Words"

Separate is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education Homepage

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:50:51 GMT

Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education, an online exhibition, will help students understand an historic struggle to fulfill the American dream that set in motion sweeping changes in American society, and redefined the nation's ideals. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education marked a turning point in the history of race relations in the United States. On May 17, 1954, the Court stripped away constitutional sanctions for segregation by race, and made equal opportunity in education the law of the land. Brown v. Board of Education reached the Supreme Court through the fearless efforts of lawyers, community activists, parents, and students.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence Homepage

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:32:16 GMT

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of America's celebrated heroes for his use of nonviolent protest strategies during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring history together through children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities. Focused around Martin's Big Words, an illustrated biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration.

Visit Your Government

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:20:04 GMT

Find out about your local government through planning a short field trip, and then think about how you could make a difference in your community. The activity guide also includes tips for reviewing the experience once you're back at home or in the classroom. Included in an OurStory module from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History entitled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence, this activity is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.

Reading Mama Went to Jail for the Vote

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:00:01 GMT

Mama Went to Jail for the Vote is a work of historical fiction about a girl whose mother joins the suffragists in working to win the vote for women during the early 1900s. Part of an OurStory module entitled Winning the Vote for Women, this activity includes strategies that will help adults and children actively read Mama Went to Jail for the Vote together. OurStory is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of children's literature, everyday objects, and hands-on activities.