Year 6 English

Week commencing: 22.06.2020

We know that things are a little strange at the moment but we want you to know we are still thinking
about you. We hope you are safe and happy.
Here are some English activities to keep you busy this week.

Parents,
If you require any assistance or guidance, please email the Year 6 team at the address below during
normal school hours. We will aim to respond within 24 hours. 
year6@stbedesjuniorschool.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE:
Over the next two weeks in English, we will be focusing on the
current Black Lives Matter movement and the American Civil Rights
movement that took place in the 1950s and 1960s. We will be
looking at Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech in particular.
The activities are still divided into daily lessons spanning Monday -
Thursday. Please use Friday as a ‘catch-up’ day and as an opportunity
to read for pleasure/go onto the ‘Dyslexiagold’ website.
Monday: Immersion
Take some time to look at these two photographs. Decide when you think they were taken.
Consider the similarities and differences between them.
Similarities Differences
Then (August 1963) Now (June 2020)
March on Washington, led by Martin Birmingham Black Lives Matter protest
Luther King
Racism is not a new thing…
 Slavery

• Slavery began in America around 1619, when African people were brought by
ship to work on tobacco and cotton fields (farms).
• Black slaves were also owned by White British people right here in the UK.
• The ports in Liverpool were heavily used in the slave trade.
• Slaves were often poorly treated.

• Slavery was abolished in Britain in 1833.

• However, it remained in America until 1865, when President Lincoln outlawed it
officially.
 Jim Crow Laws
• Even though slavery was abolished in the United States of America, black and
white Americans remained divided long after.
• In the Southern states (e.g. Alabama), there were many laws to promote
white supremacy and segregation between Black and White people.
• These were known as Jim Crow laws. The name ‘Jim Crow’ was a derogatory
(unkind) phrase used to insult African Americans.
• The Jim Crow laws meant that African Americans were not allowed to vote,
marry someone who was white, go into public parks, sit near white people in
theatres, restaurants and buses, live in certain areas, do certain jobs, attend
certain schools, and much more.
 The American Civil Rights Movement
• Between 1954 and 1968, large groups of people began to
challenge the treatment of black Americans.
• They held peaceful protests such as boycotts, sit-ins and
marches.
• Eventually, the Civil Rights Movement gave black Americans
legal equality:
The Civil Rights Act (1964) outlawed segregation in schools, public
places or jobs.
The Voting Rights Act (1965) gave all black people the vote.
The Fair Housing Act (1968) banned discrimination in housing.

However, black Americans did not achieve economic equality, and

still remain a socially disadvantaged group.
 Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Alabama (1955-56)
• Inspired by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white
passenger
 March on Washington
• Known fully as ‘The March on Washington for Jobs
and Freedom’, this was a large gathering of people
peacefully protesting against racial inequality.
• It took place on 28th August 1963 and was led by
Martin Luther King, who gave his famous ‘I have a
dream’ speech in front of the Lincoln memorial.
• An estimated 250,000 people attended.

We will be learning
about this important
speech in later lessons.
 Now: Black Lives Matter
• Black Lives Matter is an organisation in America, Canada and
England created in 2013.
• Their mission is to end violence and unfair treatment towards
Black communities.
• This organisation holds events to educate and inform people of
what happens in their communities.
• Right now, the whole world is speaking out against racism and
the unfair treatment of black people, especially George Floyd
who died on 25th May.
• Peaceful protests have happened all across the UK and USA for
the Black Lives Matter movement.

In what ways have you seen people showing support for this movement?
Black Lives Matter
Now, add some more ideas to your table of similarities and differences.

Consider the ways in which protests were carried out ‘then’ and ‘now’.

Consider the reasons why people were/are protesting.

 Tuesday: Writing
Your task:

Write a ‘then and now’ poem to show what you have

learnt about the American Civil Rights movement and
the Black Lives Matter movement.

Focus on applying your Year 6 writing skills.

Use the next few slides to help you.

 WAGOLL
Then there was inequality: white privilege and black discrimination.
Now it still remains.

Then there was brutality – the unjust and violent treatment of black citizens.
Now it still remains.

Then there were marches of 250,000 souls, united by the cause to put an end to Jim Crow’s rules.
Now there are peaceful protests, where people are united in the fight for safety and justice.

Then people boycotted racist systems that segregated and restricted many.
Now there are social media blackouts to show support for the oppressed.

Then people carried signs, placards and banners, which read: end segregated rules; jobs for all; decent
housing.
Now they display the words ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘End Brutality’.

Then…
Now…

Then people had a dream for a better future.

Now we still do; we stand together.
 Word Bank
segregation (segregated) interracial
Jim Crow laws restrictions
protest privilege
integration (integrated)
movement
brutality
racism American Civil Rights Movement
slavery discrimination
inequality oppression (oppressed)
civil rights nonviolent
activists
peaceful
legislation
riot African Americans
prohibited
 Wednesday: Reading
• Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights
Martin Luther King activist in the 1950s and 1960s.
• He led non-violent protests to fight for
the rights of all people including
African Americans.
• He hoped that America and the world
could become a colourblind society
where race would not impact a
person's civil rights.
• He is considered one of the great
orators of modern times, and his
speeches still inspire many to this day.

Today, we will be listening to and

reading an excerpt from his famous ‘I
have a dream’ speech.
 Watch a video of Martin Luther King’s
speech here:

https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP4iY
1TtS3s
Excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech:
 Vocabulary task 1
Scan the text to find each of these lines and identify the
missing words.

a dream deeply ________ in the American dream

a state ____________ with the heat of injustice

one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its
__________

will be transformed into an _________ of freedom and justice

sit down together at a table of ___________

 Vocabulary task 1
Now match each word to its definition.
rooted (noun) a pleasant/peaceful area or period in the
midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation
sweltering (verb) established deeply and firmly

creed (noun) a community of people linked by a

common interest
oasis (noun) a set of beliefs or aims which guide
someone's actions
brotherhood (verb) being uncomfortably hot

Discuss how each word is used in context.

What is Martin Luther King saying in this section of his speech?

Can you summarise it now that you understand some of the key vocabulary?
Key words:

Interposition – the process of getting involved in a situation in order to influence

it

Nullification – a legal theory that a state has the right to invalidate and act
against any law

Exalted – raised up to a higher position

 Vocabulary task 2
Use a thesaurus to find up to three synonyms for each of the underlined words
that could be used to replace them without altering the meaning of the text.
 Vocabulary task 2

What does Martin Luther King mean here? Choose one.

A: He hopes that the countryside will look different in the future.

B: He had a dream that he saw God.
C: He hopes that everything will be made safe, accessible and
equal for everyone.
D: He hopes that all of the roads will be flat and straight to travel
on.
 Vocabulary task 3
Martin Luther King uses lots of figurative language to give emphasis
and meaning to his words.

Discuss the meaning and effect on the

reader of each of these examples:

• the mountain of despair

• a stone of hope

• the jangling discords of our nation

• a beautiful symphony of brotherhood
 Vocabulary task 3
Martin Luther King also uses a technique called anaphora.
This is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive
clauses.
What example of anaphora can be seen here? What effect does it
have?
Can you think of any other times you have heard a phrase repeated in
this speech?
 Your task:

Choose one quote from the speech that

resonates with you and illustrate it, choosing
symbols and images to represent meaning.
 Thursday: Performing
Your task:

Using the Readers’ Theatre script (on the next few slides),
prepare a performance of some or all of the excerpt.
Focus on speaking clearly, and using expression and
intonation to place emphasis on key points and ideas.
Consider the actions you could include to enhance your
performance.

You may wish to film your performance so that it may be

shared with others.
Excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech:
 Friday:
Remember, you can use today to catch up on work your have missed or not
finished. You can also read for pleasure or use the ‘Dyslexiagold’ website.

If you would like to, you can start to think about what we will be doing next week.
The activities in English next week will lead to you writing and performing your
own ‘I have a dream’ speech.
You might wish to start thinking of some ideas.

What is your dream for our

future world?
What do you hope will change?
What issues would you like to
address?
What do you want our world to
look like?
Answers
 Vocabulary task 1
Scan the text to find each of these lines and identify the
missing words.

a dream deeply rooted in the American dream

a state sweltering with the heat of injustice

one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its
creed

will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice

sit down together at a table of brotherhood

 Vocabulary task 1
Now match each word to its definition.
rooted (noun) a pleasant/peaceful area or period in the
midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation
sweltering (verb) established deeply and firmly

creed (noun) a community of people linked by a

common interest
oasis (noun) a set of beliefs or aims which guide
someone's actions
brotherhood (verb) being uncomfortably hot

Discuss how each word is used in context.

What is Martin Luther King saying in this section of his speech?

Can you summarise it now that you understand some of the key vocabulary?
Examples only
Vocabulary task 2
Use a thesaurus to find up to three synonyms for each of the underlined words
that could be used to replace them without altering the meaning of the text.

brutal
hope ferocious
aspiration violent
aim ruthless
desire merciless
wish

honour
acclaim
magnificence
splendour
majesty
greatness
 Vocabulary task 2

What does Martin Luther King mean here? Choose one.

A: He hopes that the countryside will look different in the future.

B: He had a dream that he saw God.
C: He hopes that everything will be made safe, accessible and
equal for everyone.
D: He hopes that all of the roads will be flat and straight to travel
on.
 Vocabulary task 3
Martin Luther King also uses a technique called anaphora.
This is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive
clauses.
What example of anaphora can be seen here? What effect does it
have? Let freedom ring…
Can you think of any other times you have heard a phrase repeated in
this speech?
I have a dream…