Description
Have your students create a collaborative poster and learn about Ruby Bridges in a fun, fresh, and engaging way! Through this activity, students will explore Bridges’ historic role in school integration, her bravery as a child during a pivotal civil rights moment, and her lasting legacy in American history. As they work together, they’ll also strengthen their teamwork and communication skills while contributing to one unified final product.
This biography research activity is an excellent addition to any Black History Month celebration, civil rights lesson, or elementary/middle school history unit. Students will connect Bridges’ courage and experiences to broader themes of equality, justice, and perseverance.
Students will begin by researching Ruby Bridges and gathering information about her background, challenges, and impact. They’ll then record their findings in the designated sections on the poster before working together to color or paint and assemble the final display. Once completed, the six-piece poster can be printed on regular paper or cardstock and will measure approximately 28" x 15" when taped together. For long-lasting classroom use, you can laminate the finished product.
This resource includes student directions, a project rubric, and a brainstorm graphic organizer (all provided in both PDF and editable Word document formats). It also includes six blank coloring pages that come together to form one cohesive poster, a Ruby Bridges answer key, and an example of the final project to guide and inspire your students.