Introduction Activities to Teach The Watsons Go
Introducing Fictional Novel that Chronicles Segregation in 1963
May 15, 2009
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 [Christopher Paul Curtis, Yearling Publishers, 1995] is a historical fiction novel detailing the events surrounding the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. It tells the story of a family, the Watsons, who visit their grandmother in Birmingham. The visit is intended to dissuade the eldest member of the family, Kenny, from his path of delinquency. The family’s youngest son mistakenly witnesses the aftermath of the church bombing and finds himself haunted by his memories of the victims. Here are some activities to provide background knowledge about the racial problems in 1963 that set the scene for this dark event in America’s history.
Building Historical Background Knowledge
Introduce this novel by having the students complete research to create a timeline of racially charged events that took place in 1963. Be certain that the students include the bombing by white supremacists on September 15, 1963, which was the basis for this novel. Encourage the students to research at least five events to include on their timelines. This information should provide an understanding of the racial climate at this time in history.
Researching Important Historical Figures
Have the students research two historical figures of this racially biased time. Have them research two individuals with differing opinions of desegregation and racial equality, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Governor George Wallace. Because these two individuals were directly involved in the aftermath of the bombing, there is adequate information available on their opinions.
Experiencing Different Points of View
Using the timelines and the book jacket summary, the children can write journal entries from the differing views of this time. Have the students work in pairs. For example, have one of the pair write a journal entry from the point of view of Governor George Wallace. The journals should be dated September 16, 1963.
Identifying Story Elements
Most stories have certain elements such as characters, setting, problem and solution, and plot. During the story, the setting changes. You can provide the students with descriptions of Flint, Michigan, where the family lives, and Birmingham, Alabama, where the family is visiting. Using the descriptions the students can create a graphic organizer, such as a Venn Diagram, to compare and contrast Flint and Birmingham.
Using this same information the students can make predictions about how the family will change when the setting changes.
As the students read the novel The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963, they will have a chance to experience what may have been one of the saddest crimes committed during the civil rights movement. Reading this novel will give them the perspective of a child much like themselves.
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