History Comes to Life in Fourth Grade

“I felt like I was talking to a primary source. Like, directly talking to a living primary source!” exclaims 4B student Tommy.

One of the many unique aspects of an Alta Vista School education is our social studies timeline. Students journey through time beginning in kindergarten with “Who We Are,” followed by “Life Begins” in first grade, “Human Existence” in second grade, the “Middle Ages” in third grade, “How Did We Get to Where We Are Now?” in fourth grade, and “Globalization and Sustainability” in fifth grade.

In fourth grade, students journey through the history of California and the United States, asking the question: How did we get to where we are now? As part of this study, students spend the final months of the year learning about the Civil Rights Movement and the ordinary people whose collective actions helped transform the nation.

Throughout the unit, students read and evaluate primary sources connected to events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Greensboro sit-ins, and the courageous actions of the Freedom Riders. They examine photographs, speeches, oral histories, and firsthand accounts to better understand the fight for equality and justice.

On Wednesday, May 6, students had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a Zoom conversation with two veterans of the Civil Rights Movement: Fatima Cortez-Todd and Karen Haberman Trusty, members of the Bay Area Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement. Both speakers shared their experiences working with organizations such as CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), as well as participating in protests and organizing efforts in southern states, including Louisiana and Mississippi.

Ms. Cortez-Todd and Ms. Haberman Trusty spoke candidly with both fourth-grade classes, sharing stories of courage, resistance, community organizing, and hope. Students asked thoughtful questions and heard firsthand about the risks people took to challenge segregation and fight for equal rights. The conversation left students feeling inspired, hopeful, and empowered by the idea that ordinary people, including young people, can work together to create change.

After the conversation, both speakers shared with the teachers that this was one of the most meaningful experiences they have had speaking with young people. They praised the students’ thoughtful questions, empathy, curiosity, and deep engagement throughout the discussion.

Fourth graders will conclude their study of the Civil Rights Movement with an interactive Learning Celebration in June, where families will have the opportunity not only to view student work, but also to participate in student-created activities connected to the movement, collective action, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.