Grade Levels: K-3

These family and homeschool activities are designed to complement the Ruby Bridges topic page on BrainPOP Jr., which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Dear Ruby Bridges

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a letter of encouragement and support to Ruby Bridges. Encourage your child imagine it’s 1960. Have them write a letter to Ruby telling her what they think about her bravery and giving her words of encouragement and support.

The Problem We All Live With

A famous painting by Norman Rockwell titled “The Problem We All Live With” was inspired by Ruby Bridges’ story. It shows U.S. Marshals escorting Ruby to school, and the protesters’ anger is displayed by tomatoes smashed against the wall behind Ruby.  Look at the painting  with your child and discuss what you see. (You can find it online.) Ask how it makes them feel and what they think Ruby must’ve been feeling in that moment. Prompt them to consider why they think they think people were so angry about Ruby going to the school. Finally, discuss the title of the painting, and why it has the title “The Problem We All Live With.”