Your next great Lessn starts here.

Learning About Jackie Robinson – Historical figures are important – Who do you know from history? – Meet Jackie Robinson – First African American in Major League Baseball – Why Jackie is special – Broke the color barrier in sports | This slide introduces the concept of historical figures to second-grade students, emphasizing their significance in shaping our past. Begin by engaging students with a question about any historical figures they might already be familiar with, which can include anyone from presidents to activists. Then, transition to introducing Jackie Robinson, highlighting his major achievements and his role as a trailblazer in American history. Explain that Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier and paving the way for future generations in sports. Use this opportunity to discuss the values of courage, determination, and equality. Encourage students to think about why it’s important to learn about people like Jackie Robinson and how they can be inspired by his story.

Who Was Jackie Robinson? – First African American in MLB – Broke the color barrier in baseball – Born January 31, 1919 – Cairo, Georgia was his birthplace – More than an athlete – Excelled in sports and life – A leader for civil rights – Worked to make life fair for everyone | Jackie Robinson was a trailblazer in American history, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His birthdate and place are significant as they reflect his origins and the era he was born into, which was marked by racial segregation. Jackie was an exceptional athlete, but his impact went far beyond sports. He used his platform to advocate for civil rights, challenging racial discrimination and pushing for equality. When discussing Robinson, emphasize his courage and the challenges he faced. Encourage students to think about how one person can make a big difference in society.

Jackie Robinson’s Early Life – Jackie’s time of unfairness – He lived when laws and rules were not equal for all people. – Excelled in sports and school – Jackie was talented in many sports and also focused on his education. – Being like Jackie today – Think about ways we can show fairness and hard work in our lives. – Discuss fairness and effort | This slide introduces students to Jackie Robinson’s early life, emphasizing the challenges he faced during a time of inequality. Highlight Jackie’s dedication to sports and education as a testament to his character. Encourage students to draw parallels between Jackie’s life and their own by discussing how they can demonstrate fairness and hard work in their daily activities. Use this opportunity to have a conversation about equality and perseverance, and how even at a young age, students can make choices that reflect these values.

Breaking Barriers with Jackie Robinson – Jackie joined Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 – First African American in Major League Baseball – Faced challenges but stayed strong – Despite difficulties, he became a great player – Showed courage can overcome obstacles – His bravery inspires us to face our own challenges | This slide introduces students to Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Discuss the significant challenges he faced, including racism and discrimination, and how he handled these with perseverance and dignity. Emphasize the importance of courage and resilience in overcoming obstacles, both in Robinson’s time and in our own lives. Encourage students to think of times they have faced challenges and how they can use Jackie Robinson’s example to overcome them. This lesson aims to inspire students and teach them about an important figure in American history and the values he stood for.

Remembering Jackie Robinson’s Legacy – Jackie’s jersey number 42 is special – No player can wear number 42 again in baseball – He helped many athletes and people – Jackie was the first African American in Major League Baseball – April 15th is Jackie Robinson Day – It’s a day to honor Jackie’s bravery and achievements | This slide aims to educate second-grade students about the lasting impact of Jackie Robinson on baseball and society. Emphasize that Jackie’s number 42 is unique because it’s retired across all teams, a rare honor in sports, to show respect for his groundbreaking role as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. Explain how his courage opened doors for other athletes of all backgrounds. Highlight Jackie Robinson Day as a special occasion when we celebrate his life and contributions to civil rights and equality. Encourage students to discuss what it means to be brave like Jackie and how one person can make a big difference in the world.

Class Activity: Be Like Jackie – Time to show bravery like Jackie – Everyone will play a batting game – Making mistakes is part of learning – Keep trying, just like Jackie did | This activity is designed to encourage students to embody the spirit of Jackie Robinson, who was known for his courage and determination. Set up a simple batting game in the classroom or playground. Each student will have the opportunity to hit a ball with a bat. Emphasize that the goal is not to be perfect but to have the courage to try something new and to keep trying even if they miss the ball. This mirrors Jackie Robinson’s experience of breaking baseball’s color barrier, where he faced challenges but never gave up. Offer positive reinforcement throughout the activity and celebrate each student’s effort. Possible variations of the activity could include using a tee for batting, soft tossing the ball, or even a virtual batting game if resources are limited.