A Musical Story Time-African American Heroes and Pioneers:

Nobody Owns The Sky

Winner of the 2004 BACLA Award For The Most Creative Children’s

Library Program

Lesson Plan © 2004 Peter Menta

The story told is from the book Nobody Owns The Sky: The Story
Of Brave Bessie Coleman- by Reeve Lindbergh.

Objectives of pre-discussion:

· We tapped the students’ prior knowledge of African American Heroes.

· We began a discussion of what the difference is between a hero and a pioneer.

· We offered clues to help students uncover the main ideas on their own.

· We tried to stimulate a discussion of why we can all benefit from studying these great heroes and pioneers.

While our storyteller read, songs derived from the life of Bessie Coleman are performed.

Objectives of songs:

· They add additional facts to the story not mentioned in the book.

· They call attention to the peak dramatic moments to the story.

· They help summarize the narrative.

· They help and encourage reluctant readers to participate in a fun reading activity.

· They help children stay focused by providing by two interactive activities: reading and singing that contrast to ordinary listening.

Objectives of Story Time Post Discussion and Story Map

· Assist the students to remember and identify some of the important facts

and main ideas of the story.

· Reveal more facts about Bessie Coleman and Black History heroes and pioneers.

· Discuss how we can benefit from learning about Black History heroes and pioneers.

We closed our story time with the message that we all can receive inspiration from these great heroes and pioneers to pursue our own dreams and goals.