Before the project, the teacher should discuss the meaning of segregation and its effects on people. Explaining the challenges and hardships that African-Americans faced during the implementation of segregation laws must be cleared and explained clearly, often using the actions of Civil Rights activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr., and the positive response of the government to their pleas.
Kindergartners can recreate a U.S. map of when segregation laws were still enforced. Once explained, have students recreate this map before segregation was abolished in the U.S. Print out a large U.S. map and have the children color the states where segregation was accepted with yellow, and then the states that opposed segregation with green. Some states did not have a specific stand on the subject, so ask them to color these with blue. Once the whole map has been colored, put the map in front of the class.
Discuss the differences between a state allowing segregation with a state that did not. Cite examples, such as in segregated states where African-Americans could only sit at the back of a bus, because the front was for whites. Mention the inequality that this gave people, and reiterate that skin color should not dictate how to treat individuals. Conclude the discussion and ask students to color the “yellow” states with blue and the “blue” states with yellow.
All states will turn green once the students are done coloring. Once they’re done, they will see that all the states have turned green, which is the current situation of all states in the U.S., abolishing segregation and giving equal rights to everyone. Mount the “green” map in the classroom to remind your kindergartners that everyone in the classroom is equal and have the same opportunities and rights.