Image of Jackie Robinson up to bat
Shutterstock.com (Background); Harry Warnecke/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images (1947)
Mini History,

The True Story of a Baseball Hero

Jackie Robinson was not just a baseball player. He was a hero. He changed baseball and the world!

From the February 2024 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will discuss the events and accomplishments that make Jackie Robinson an important historical figure.

Lexile: 480L
Featured Skill: Text Features, Key Details,
Topic: Social Studies,
Common Core Standards
  • RI.1.3 Describe the connection between two ideas or pieces of information in a text RI.1.5 Know and use text features to locate key facts or information in a text R1.1.6 Distinguish between information provided by pictures and the words in a text SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults
TEKS Standards
  • English Language Arts (12) Citizenship. The student understands characteristics of good citizenship as exemplified by historical figures and other individuals. The student is expected to: (A) identify characteristics of good citizenship, including truthfulness, justice, equality, respect for oneself and others, responsibility in daily life, and participation in government by educating oneself about the issues, respectfully holding public officials to their word, and voting; (B) identify historical figures and other individuals who have exemplified good citizenship, such as Benjamin Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

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Harry Warnecke/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Jackie joined the Dodgers in 1947.

For many years, baseball was segregated. White players and Black players had to play on different teams. 

The man in charge of the Brooklyn Dodgers wanted to change that. He wanted a Black player to join his team. He chose Jackie Robinson.

Standing Strong

Patti McConville/Alamy Stock Photo

At first, many fans were angry. They yelled at Jackie. Some players from other teams tried to hurt him.

But Jackie stood strong. He never yelled at fans. He kept playing. And his team kept winning.

The Best New Player

Ted Soqui/SIPA USA via AP Images 

A Jackie Robinson baseball card

After his first year, Jackie was voted the best new player in baseball.

Fans changed their minds about him. And other Black players joined White teams. They showed that people should not be kept apart because of their skin color.

Jackie Robinson Day!

National Baseball Hall of Fame Library/MLB via Getty Images

Jackie worked for equal rights the rest of his life.

Today we remember Jackie Robinson as a brave hero. And every year on April 15, we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day. Go, Jackie!

video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (2)
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)
video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (2) Download All Skill Activities
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)

More About the Article

English Language Arts Focus 

Key details, labels

Social Studies Focus 

Historical figures

Culture

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

IMPLEMENTATION

  • Whole Group
  • Writing Block: Have children write about why Jackie Robinson was a change maker or how his accomplishments have inspired others.

PAIRINGS AND TEXT CONNECTIONS

  • In this issue: “Poetry: Just Like Jackie”
  • Suggested books: I Am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer

BEFORE-READING RESOURCES

  • Video: The Great Jackie Robinson (5 minutes) Build background knowledge on this groundbreaking legend.
  • Vocabulary Slideshow: (5 minutes) segregated, brave

SUGGESTED READING FOCUS

Text evidence (20 minutes)

  • Read the article aloud while students follow along in their magazines. Then read it again with student volunteers for each section.
  • Ask students to think about and share why Jackie Robinson was an important figure in history. What makes him a hero? How did he become a change maker?

AFTER-READING SKILLS PRACTICE

Skills: Key Details (15 minutes)

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

Skill: Self-awareness/self-management (10 minutes)

  • Have students think about moments presented in the article in which Jackie had to be brave or strong. Ask students what they imagined he would say to himself during these tough times. Have them create a small key ring of index cards or list of personal affirmations that they can say to themselves whenever they need a boost of bravery.

Text-to-Speech