Resources
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (RBWTSD) is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the civil rights movement and make connections to today's collective efforts for change. RBWTSD gives children the opportunity to celebrate Ruby's courage by walking to school.
In 1954 the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Brown v. the Board of Education ended racial segregation in public schools. However, southern states continued to resist. Ruby spent kindergarten in a segregated classroom. In 1960 a federal court ordered Louisiana schools to desegregate. The school district created an entrance exam to see if African American students could handle being in an all-white school. Ruby and five other students passed the exam. The six students were to be sent to two different all-white schools. The school district delayed their start and Ruby's first day of school was November 14, 1960. A few days before the start of school, the two African American students who were going to attend with Ruby, decided to stay in their home school. Ruby braved William Frantz Elementary School on her own.
Use the resources below to help students learn about Ruby and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
This beautiful picture book tells the story of Ruby Bridges in her own words.
This short video gives a good overview of the courage Ruby displayed in the face of discrimination.
Click on the link below for the "Walk to School Like Ruby Did" song by MusicNotes
(See credits below.)
"Walk To School Like Ruby Did" song courtesy of LaMar "Mr. Q-U-E" Queen and David "Mr. D" Landix of Music Notes. Visit www.musicnotesonline.com for more videos or to book a Music Notes assembly. Or follow them on social media at facebook.com/musicnotesfans or on Instagram @musicnotesonline
Feel free to use the song but please credit the artists.
Take a Virtual Walk Through History and learn more about Ruby Bridges!
Ruby's Podcast
In this episode, Ruby talks about the events that led her parents to risk the hostility of segregationists for a better life and how her story can help today’s young people bring about lasting change and equality.
Listen to the podcast by going to www.tinyurl.com/RubyPodcast
Oregon Safe Routes to School created Ruby Bridges Be Safe Be See Bingo. Click on the button below to download it!
There are many free Ruby Bridges lesson plans available.
Check out a few of the websites below.
2023 RBWTSD Posters
Click on the button for templates:
board resolutions, social media posts, media release templates, RBWTSD bookmark template, RBWTSD timeline
Past RBWTSD Posters
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022