Rosa Parks: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement — Reading Comprehension

Grades

About This Reader

This engaging reading passage tells the story of Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Written for grades 4-5, the content explains how Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in December 1955, leading to her arrest and the subsequent 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott. Students will learn about segregation laws, the formation of the boycott under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership, and how the Supreme Court eventually ruled that bus segregation was unconstitutional. The passage explores why Rosa Parks is called the 'Mother of the Civil Rights Movement' and her lasting legacy. The resource includes 10 carefully crafted multiple choice questions testing comprehension of historical facts, sequence of events, and key concepts like boycotts and segregation, making it perfect for classroom instruction or homeschool use.

CONTENT PREVIEW

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was riding a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She had finished work as a seamstress and was heading home. In those days, buses in Montgomery had unfair rules. Black passengers had to sit in the back of the bus, and if the front section for white passengers became full, Black passengers had to give up their seats.

When the bus became crowded, the driver ordered Rosa and three other Black passengers to give up their seats. The other three people moved, but Rosa Parks remained seated. She was tired after a long day of work, but she was also tired of being treated unfairly. When Rosa refused to move, the bus driver called the police. Rosa was arrested for breaking the segregation laws.

Rosa's arrest was not an accident. She had thought about this moment before. Rosa was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She knew that her action might help challenge the unfair laws.

News of Rosa's arrest spread quickly. A young minister named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other community leaders organized a bus boycott. This meant that Black people in Montgomery would not ride the buses until the unfair rules changed. The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted for 381 days—more than a year!

During the boycott, thousands of people walked to work, formed carpools, or found other ways to travel. It was difficult, but they were determined. Finally, on December 20, 1956, the United States Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was against the law.

Rosa Parks became known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." Her simple act of courage helped spark a movement that led to important changes in American laws. The Civil Rights Movement worked to end segregation and discrimination against Black Americans.

After the boycott, Rosa and her husband moved to Detroit, Michigan. She continued to work for civil rights. In 1999, Rosa received the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest honors in the United States.

Rosa Parks showed that one person can make a big difference. She once said, "You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right." Rosa Parks died in 2005 at the age of 92, but her brave action on that bus is still remembered as an important moment in American history.

When did Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat on the bus?

December 1, 1945December 1, 1955January 1, 1960November 5, 1955

Where did this famous event take place?

Detroit, MichiganWashington, D.C.Montgomery, AlabamaAtlanta, Georgia

What were the bus rules in Montgomery at that time?

Everyone could sit anywhere they wantedBlack passengers had to sit in the frontBlack passengers had to sit in the back and give up seats if neededChildren had to give their seats to adults

What happened to Rosa Parks after she refused to move?

She was given a warningShe was arrestedShe was allowed to stay seatedShe was given a different seat

Was Rosa Parks' action planned or spontaneous?

It was completely unexpected and unplannedShe had thought about this moment beforeThe bus driver asked her to plan itDr. King told her exactly what to do

What is a boycott?

A type of public transportationA court decisionRefusing to use or buy something as a form of protestA type of law

How long did the Montgomery Bus Boycott last?

One weekOne month381 daysTwo years

What was the result of the bus boycott?

Nothing changedOnly Rosa Parks could sit anywhere on the busThe Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was against the lawBuses stopped running in Montgomery

Why is Rosa Parks called the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement"?

Because she had many children who became activistsBecause she was older than other activistsBecause her action helped spark the Civil Rights MovementBecause she invented the word "civil rights"

What important award did Rosa Parks receive in 1999?

The Nobel Peace PrizeThe Congressional Gold MedalThe Presidential MedalThe Montgomery Medal of Honor