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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/black-history-k-5/freedom-on-the-menu
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Read-alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as the Civil Rights Movement, they help the students spark discussions, share their views, and learn new vocabulary.
Freedom on the Menu is a story about the lunch counter sit-ins that took place in North Carolina, and then all around the South. Students and teachers will love the story of courage, based on true events in the 1960s. For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will create a BME storyboard, summarizing the story with descriptions and illustrations.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard summarizing the story with descriptions and illustrations.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write beginning, middle, and end in the headings.
- Write a short description of each in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Summary
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the cells represents a different part of the summary. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help summarize and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help summarize. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the summary. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Read-alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as the Civil Rights Movement, they help the students spark discussions, share their views, and learn new vocabulary.
Freedom on the Menu is a story about the lunch counter sit-ins that took place in North Carolina, and then all around the South. Students and teachers will love the story of courage, based on true events in the 1960s. For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will create a BME storyboard, summarizing the story with descriptions and illustrations.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard summarizing the story with descriptions and illustrations.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write beginning, middle, and end in the headings.
- Write a short description of each in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Summary
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot | Each of the cells represents a different part of the summary. The cells are in order from beginning to end. Sentences accurately summarize each part. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or three cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that help summarize and do not get in the way of understanding. | Some of the images help summarize. Descriptions do not always match the images. | Images do not make sense with the summary. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Freedom on the Menu by Carol Boston Weatherford
1
Incorporate primary sources to deepen student understanding
Choose relevant primary sources like historical photos, newspaper clippings, or recordings from the Civil Rights era to connect students with real-life events. This helps make the story more tangible and meaningful.
2
Guide students to observe and discuss source details
Ask students to look closely at the primary source and share what they notice, such as people's expressions, clothing, or setting. Encourage thoughtful observations to spark curiosity and discussion.
3
Facilitate connections between the source and the story
Lead a discussion on how the primary source relates to events or emotions in Freedom on the Menu. This strengthens student comprehension of the historical context.
4
Prompt students to reflect through drawing or writing
Have students create a quick sketch or write a few sentences about how the primary source adds to their understanding of the story. Reflection helps solidify learning and personal connection.
5
Share and celebrate student insights
Invite students to share their reflections or drawings with the class. Recognizing different perspectives builds empathy and classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Freedom on the Menu by Carol Boston Weatherford
What is 'Freedom on the Menu' about?
Freedom on the Menu is a children's book by Carol Boston Weatherford that tells the inspiring story of lunch counter sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on events in North Carolina in the 1960s. It highlights themes of courage and social change through the eyes of a young girl.
How can teachers use 'Freedom on the Menu' for classroom read-alouds?
Teachers can read Freedom on the Menu aloud to the whole class to spark discussion, introduce Civil Rights history, and build vocabulary. It can also be assigned to small groups or as independent reading for older students, followed by activities like storyboarding.
What is a BME storyboard and how does it relate to 'Freedom on the Menu'?
A BME storyboard is a graphic organizer where students summarize the Beginning, Middle, and End of a story. For Freedom on the Menu, students describe each part and create matching illustrations to show their understanding.
What are some discussion questions for 'Freedom on the Menu'?
Discussion questions include: Why were lunch counter sit-ins important? How did the characters show courage? What changes happened because of their actions? These help students connect with the story and its historical context.
Why is 'Freedom on the Menu' a good choice for Black History lessons in grades 2-3?
Freedom on the Menu is ideal for Black History lessons because it presents real-life events in an age-appropriate way, encourages empathy, and prompts discussions about fairness, equality, and social justice for young learners.
More Storyboard That Activities
Black History K-5
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/black-history-k-5/freedom-on-the-menu
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
