As holiday’s approached, I always rejected the administrations demands that I “take a day” from my regularly scheduled lessons to address the topic or focus of the year. I explained that every person should be taught every day, and that isolating groups for a holiday is the same as isolating them in general. So, to be defiant, while complying (advice from my mentor), I did things my own way!
Holidays such as “Black History” or ML King Day or President’s Day do not need to be a rehash of one person’s biography year after year. It should be a celebration of the contributions made by every day people in our every day world, those significant individuals included.
In addition, we must remind our students, and ourselves, that movements can be started by one, but to get them finished, they must involve many. Change can start will just one drop of water, but the waterfall is going to create the movement of the mountains!
Happy Teaching!
Here are a few activities (Which each offer many ideas for implementation) from my TpT Store for the coming months:
Important African-Americans Bio Activities Set
Important Activists & Leaders Activities Set
President’s Centers or Small Group Activities Set
American Presidents Facebook or Pinterest Activity Set
American Presidents Walking Tour Centers Activity