Ron's+Big+Mission

Written by Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden Illustrated by Don Tate

Summary: Ron wants to check out library books, but only white people can do that in his southern town. Based on a true event in the life of astronaut Ron McNair.

Getting Your Way: Ron was able to get what he wanted by being peaceful. He did show determination in getting his way. Describe strategies you have used to get what you want. What works best? Make a list entitled, “Ten Ways to Get Your Way.”

Our Big Missions: Ron had some options to let others check out books for him. Discuss why it is important for Ron to be able to check out books for himself rather than having people do it. Have kids brainstorm things they cannot yet do. On one side of a piece of paper, have them draw a picture of someone doing something for them. On the other side, draw a picture of them doing this task for themselves. Talk about if there are good reasons for some things they can't do yet as well as things that others do for them that they could really do for themselves.

Space: Ron McNair grew up to be an astronaut. He died on the Challenger shuttle on a different type of mission, a trip into space. Let kids research about astronauts, as well as the missions Ron McNair took in his life.

"You're eagles. Spread your wings and fly to the sky" is a quote attributed to Ron McNair. Have students think of something big they want to accomplish in life. Make eagles out of construction paper with their picture on the eagle. Draw or write about their mission they want to do on one wing, and how they might accomplish it on the other wing.