Ruby Bridges Worksheet

Ruby Bridges’ story is one of bravery, determination, and the fight for equal rights. At just six years old, Ruby became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement when she became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the southern United States.

This Ruby Bridges worksheet is a wonderful way to teach kids about this important figure and her incredible contributions to American history. Perfect for Black History Month or anytime during the school year, this activity encourages students to learn about the courage of young people in history and how they’ve shaped the world.

What’s in the Ruby Bridges Worksheet?

This printable worksheet introduces students to the life and legacy of Ruby Bridges, highlighting her courage and the significant role she played in the fight for equal rights. Here’s what your students will explore:

The ruby bridges has all these sections to fill out, plus a Ruby Bridges coloring page at the side of the biography research area.

Basic Information

• Birthdate: Students can add Ruby’s birthdate, September 8, 1954, to better understand when she made history.
• Birthplace: She was born in Tylertown, Mississippi, a place deeply rooted in the history of segregation during that era.
• Death: As Ruby Bridges is still alive, students can note that she continues to advocate for social justice.

Early Life

• Family Background: Students can learn about her parents, Abon and Lucille Bridges, who supported Ruby’s education despite the challenges and threats they faced.
• Education: Ruby attended William Frantz Elementary School, becoming the first Black student to integrate the all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960.
• Early Influences: The worksheet allows students to reflect on how Ruby’s family and the support of civil rights leaders influenced her role in breaking down barriers in education.

Major Contributions

• Field of Expertise: Ruby Bridges is known for her role as a young civil rights activist.
• Key Achievements: Students can include her integration of William Frantz Elementary School, an event that helped pave the way for future desegregation in schools.
• Notable Works/Actions: Beyond her historic walk to school, Ruby has since founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation to promote tolerance and inclusion in schools.

Impact on Society

• Legacy: Ruby’s actions as a young child continue to inspire people worldwide. She has become a symbol of courage, determination, and the importance of standing up for equal rights.
• Memorable Quote: Students can include Ruby’s powerful words, “Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail.”
• Interesting Facts: Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she made history, and her experience was later immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting, The Problem We All Live With.

Ruby Bridges Facts for Kids

Ruby Bridges was born in 1954, the same year the U.S. Supreme Court ruled segregation in public schools unconstitutional in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.

At the age of six, Ruby bravely walked past angry crowds of protesters, escorted by federal marshals, to attend her first day at William Frantz Elementary School in 1960. Her courage helped open the doors for other African American children to attend integrated schools across the United States.

Today, she continues to advocate for education and social justice through her foundation.

Ruby Bridges Movie for Kids

To dive deeper into Ruby Bridges’ incredible story, students can watch the Disney movie Ruby Bridges (1998), which is rated TV-PG. The film offers a powerful and age-appropriate portrayal of Ruby’s journey as a young girl breaking barriers in a segregated school.

This movie is suitable for middle schoolers and upper elementary students, though parents and teachers may want to watch it beforehand to ensure it fits their classroom or family discussions.

Watching this film can help kids visualize the challenges Ruby faced and the impact of her bravery on the civil rights movement.

This movie is available on Disney+

Answers for the Ruby Bridges Worksheet

Here are sample answers to guide young learners, to serve as an answer key.

• Birthdate: September 8, 1954
• Birthplace: Tylertown, Mississippi, United States
• Family Background: Parents: Abon and Lucille Bridges
• Education: Attended William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Field of Expertise: Civil rights activist
• Key Achievements: First African American child to integrate an all-white school in Louisiana, founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation
• Legacy: Symbol of courage and an advocate for tolerance and inclusion

Download the Ruby Bridges Worksheet PDF

Click below to download the Ruby Bridges worksheet! This file includes multiple worksheets featuring other important civil rights leaders and inspirational figures from Black history.

Terms of Use: This free printable is for personal and classroom use only. Please share this blog post rather than distributing the file itself.

This Ruby Bridges worksheet is part of a larger collection of black history month biography worksheets. Be sure to print the correct page – this worksheet is on page 10 of the file.

More Black History Month Activities for Kids

Looking for more engaging Black History Month activities? Check out our other worksheets and resources that celebrate civil rights leaders and their contributions to American history.

• Dr Martin Luther King Jr Color By Number
• Harriet Tubman Worksheet for Kids (Black History Month Biographies)
• Black History Month Watercolor Art Project
• Black History Month Word Search Printables (Civil Rights Activists)
• Free Printable Rosa Parks Worksheet for Kids
• Black History Month Coloring Pages (Free Printables)

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Color By Number

Black History Month Word Search Printables (Civil Rights Activists)

Black History Month Watercolor Art Project

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