In this lesson, Significance of "Let Freedom Ring" in MLK, Jr.'s Speech, students will be able to understand the allusion Martin Luther King, Jr. makes to the song "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Have students discuss allusions in this speech.

Mae Jemison was the first African American female astronaut to enter space. Use the Get to Know Mae Jemison lesson plan to learn more about this famous scientist. Children will then read and write about her, and create their own paper rocket.

Rad (awesome, brave, radical, cool) women have been around since the beginning of time, but so often their stories are overlooked. Take your students on a journey through history with this lesson that uses the book Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz. The lesson exposes students to the stories of 40 rad women from around the world and throughout various time periods, who challenged and changed the world. Students will read the profiles of a few of the women before analyzing their journeys and accomplishments using graphic organizers.

Do your students respect their peers' opinions? This lesson teaches first graders that their opinions matter by encouraging them to write out opinions and back them up with reasons.

Spirituals have a long history in the United States, and often serve to strengthen and motivate people. Students will compare three types of spirituals from different time periods and share their understanding with their peers.