Number 42: Jackie Robinson and Courage

How did Jackie Robinson, who persevered through the integration of major league baseball, display courage? Students will see how they can courageously fight for equality in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• How was Robinson’s identity different from other major league baseball players?
• What was Robinson’s purpose in playing major league baseball as an African American? Why would Robinson subject himself to discrimination as the first African American major league player?
• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will evaluate Jackie Robinson’s courage during the integration of major league baseball.
• Students will analyze how courageous acts can promote equality.
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives.