SAR Academy second grade students were asked the question, “What is a hero?” Some students said a hero is someone who steps up for what they believe in. Others said a hero is brave and helpful, and some noted heroes wear capes and fly fast! This conversation then led into a discussion about heroes in our lives and ultimately to learning about heroes in our country’s history during the Civil Rights Movement. Students read biographies and watched speeches and interviews of three key Civil Rights Heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges.

Students created timelines, identifying dates and important events, and then drew detailed illustrations to match. The children were in awe of the bravery Rosa Parks exhibited by saying “no” to giving up her seat and could not believe that Ruby Bridges was a grade younger than they when she made such a big impact. What was even harder for them to believe was that this was not so long ago and many of their grandparents remembered it. Students were introduced to keywords such as “segregation,” “protests,” and “boycott” and now use them accurately within conversations about Civil Rights. As a culminating activity, students chose one of the heroes to honor on a coin or a stamp. They wrote why they should be honored, drew a portrait of their person, and included adjectives that described characteristics of the hero or phrases that resonated with each person such as “I have a dream” or “brave child!” The second grade students’ exploration of the concept of heroism not only broadened their understanding of courage and resilience but also connected them to important figures in history, fostering a deeper appreciation for their impact.