1. Erynn Moorehead
CS 150
Pre-K – 5 technology cluster teacher
Audience: This lesson is intended for students in grades 4 and 5. It can be executed
in a computer lab or classroom setting.
Skill: Persuasive writing
Hook: Students will be prompted to make a connection between the story of Ruby
Bridges and Maritcha’s experience trying to attend the local high school (pgs. 34-39).
Students will be asked: How do you think Maritcha felt about not being able to attend
the local high school? What do you think that she said in her speech before the Rhode
Island state legislature?
Assignment: Write a speech, from Maritcha’s point of view, to express to the state
legislature your reasons for wanting to attend school. Also, include reasons why the
legislature should integrate the school.
This assignment will take approximately 4 class periods to complete. If done in a
computer lab, students can always create graphic organizers in Kidspiration/Inspriation to
keep track of their ideas for the speech.