It this unit of three lessons, we build a caring classroom culture using literature and movie clips to spark discussions. In lesson one students learn about mindfulness and gratitude to reduce anxiety. In lesson two, they learn how to listen, act, and show empathy in difficult situations. In lesson three, they explore how it feels to enter a new situation, like joining a classroom. The service project provides a concrete step students can take all year to show empathy and practice generosity.
How will norms help my students take responsibility for themselves and each other?
Schoolwide and classroom norms are the foundation for respectful behavior among all in the school community. Norms that simply hang on a poster in the classroom or teacher's room will not create a positive school culture; they need to be discussed and used daily to guide interactions and behavior. Students and teachers must understand and own the norms and hold themselves and their peers accountable for the specific behaviors that define those norms. This takes dedicated time, every day.
This page includes many resources for educators related to Black Lives Matter guiding principles for young children, lessons, videos, and general teaching guides.
Lessons for Early Childhood and Elementary
Click the link to watch a playlist of Woke Kindergarten read alouds. I have watched a few and find that the way that Akiea talks to children about all of these “big” topics is seamless, meaningful, powerful, and so on point. I’ve been inspired and will be thinking more as I plan my own read alouds in the future. I hope you do too!
Also, here is Akiea’s introduction video where they weave in more about pronoun use and identifying your own pronoun.
This unit focuses on characteristics and qualities of an effective leaders. Students look at broader issues and connect how they are applicable to their communities. This unit is to empower and spark curiosity in our future world cultivators.
This curriculum unit for grades PreK–12 provides grade-specific lessons and resources that assist in addressing these difficult issues with children at home and in the classroom.
This lesson will give students the opportunity to learn about and reflect on how toys are influenced by gender stereotypes and how children and their families are impacted by those messages.
This lesson focuses on helping young children learn to participate in different kinds of digital communities. Students will solidify and work on what they know about being part of any community. [K-2]
This lesson introduces children to different ways young people have used the internet to work toward positive social change. [3-5]
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn how different types of entertainment, like movies and television, reflect our diverse society. Students will explore the importance of representation and conduct their own research about various characters in films and TV programming. [Upper Elementary]
Today's classroom is more diverse than ever before. We've compiled tips from experts, lesson plan ideas, and ready-to-go activities that speak to the backgrounds of all your students.
This unit focuses on figures of African descent from Baltimore and ancient Africa. Students will learn about one important individual as a class. Students will also choose and research their own important individual to write a 3 paragraph essay about their life.
This unit focuses on promoting positive aspects of Baltimore and self-affirmation within students. Students will explore things about them that make them special in order to gain an understanding of their uniqueness and where they stand globally.