In the News: Protesters Rally for Social Justice (Social Studies Activity, Grades 3-5)

People around the country and the world have been gathering to speak out for social justice in recent weeks. Social justice means that people should be treated fairly regardless of their race, ethnicity, or economic background. Activists in the social justice movement work to end practices in which people are treated unfairly or discriminated against.

Read the following HMH In The News article: Protesters Rally for Social Justice.

Take It Further

Choose an activity to go deeper.

Discussion Questions

• Do you think protest is an effective way of bringing about change? Why or why not?
• If you were going to paint a mural to raise awareness about social justice, what would you paint? What words would you include? Why?

Project: Participate in Social Justice Awareness

• Create chalk art on the sidewalk or signs to hang in your window to raise awareness about issues that are important to you and your community. Include pictures or words that represent the kinds of changes you would like to see in the world.
• Write a protest poem. Include these eight words in your poem: power, justice, unity, equal, listen, stand, heal, and respect.
• Watch the KidLit4BlackLives Rally hosted in part by Versify (an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) and discuss some ways you can learn about and stand up for social justice. Please note that this video starts with 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence in memory of George Floyd.