Bridge the gap between literacy and social studies with our Ruby Bridges activities pack! Inspired by Ruby Bridges’ story, these activities will enhance read-alouds but also illuminate social studies concepts in a fun, engaging way. Each activity complements the book The Story of Ruby Bridges, to deepen students’ historical understanding. 

In The Story of Ruby Bridges activity pack, each activity is carefully crafted to enhance key literacy skills. By practicing punctuation and sorting parts of speech, students will hone their grammatical skills. Completing acrostic poems about Ruby and writing facts from the story enhances writing skills while also deepening understanding and retention. The ability to compare and contrast, as well as acquire vocabulary from stories, sharpens critical thinking and vocabulary development.

Besides literacy, this activity pack is also an excellent resource for social studies! Through research and writing about Ruby Bridges, students gain a deeper understanding of their significance and impact on history. When students complete a timeline of Ruby’s life, they learn about historical chronology and context. In addition to using digital tools for research, the activities provide a modern approach to studying historical events.

As a result of the included activities, students will be able to:

• Practice punctuation skills. 
• Sort parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives).
• Write facts from the story.
• Complete an acrostic poem based on Ruby.
• Compare and contrast with a venn diagram.
• Identify character traits.
• Research and write about Ruby Bridges.
• Complete a timeline.
• Define story vocabulary.
• Answer comprehension questions.
• Apply Writing Skills with included writing templates and prompts.
• Practice Reading Comprehension with included discussion questions for the beginning, middle, and end of the book.
• Engage in Social Skills with included whole group prompts and activities.
• Develop Fine Motor Skills with included coloring, tracing, cutting, and gluing activities.
• Play 20 questions as a whole group. 
• Use digital tools to research and learn about Ruby Bridges.

As well as educating about a pivotal moment in history, this pack encourages critical thinking about societal changes and the role individuals play in shaping history. These elements create a rich, immersive literacy experience that brings The Story of Ruby Bridges to life.

💙 Add a sprinkle of wonder to your reading adventures with these captivating activities developed by educators for young learners!

💙 Once you’ve downloaded The Story of Ruby Bridges activities, pair them with the book and immersive soundscape in your Novel Effect app. Bring every page to life in a symphony of inspiration!

About the Book and Soundscape

Six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have just moved from Mississippi to New Orleans to find a better life. After a judge orders Ruby to go to an all-white school, Ruby faces angry mobs of parents who won’t let their kids go. More than 60 years later, Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope still resonates. In this heartfelt soundscape, you’ll hear vocalist Kyler Wilkins throughout the soundscape. In addition, soundscape designer Landon Ashby plays the clarinet, sax, and flute. The combination of the both helps readers and listeners deeply understand the setting and events of the story. This soundscape features familiar vocals and melodies. While reading with Novel Effect, you’ll hear pieces of Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, Deep Down in My Heart, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, and Wade in the Water.  

Still need to add the book to your read-aloud repertoire? Get your copy here to start your journey with Ruby Bridges!