Calibrate, Collaborate, Celebrate: Elementary Working Group Reconnects for Black History Month Discussion and Resources

The Elementary working group began their February meeting by selecting an item from their space that reflected their current emotions and discussed why they connected to it. Participants shared items that sparked confidence, strength, and joy, including a Post-It note from their mom and a puzzle that their students are collaborating on. 

We then shared resources that were used during the Black Lives Matter in Schools Week of Action and can be used to continue the lesson throughout the year. Hannah Halpern shared homework prompts that asked the students to reflect on their feelings about race and how they were able to open doors for conversations at home as well as in the classroom. Raphael Bonhomme shared how he connected math and social studies with current social justice issues in a lesson on diversity in the NFL.

Knowledge Subgroup members Bonhomme and Greg Landigran led a discussion about a podcast about teaching young children about privilege. The conversation delved into the tension between authentically addressing issues pertaining to racism and injustices and maintaining classrooms that are joyful spaces

The group then collaborated on a padlet about their lessons for Black History Month: what they did in the past, what they have been able to do in the present, and how they plan to continue teaching the message in the future. Multiple teachers discussed how they plan to incorporate the BLM principles in their class throughout the entire year. Another teacher previously combined music, art, and history in a student showcase on the Harlem Renaissance.

At the end of the meeting, members evaluated the session. Cesarina Pierre remarked:

The journal prompts showed me a way to push my students thinking in writing,and expressed her desire to create more thoughtful prompts based on the BLM principles. 

The group exited the session with new ideas on how to lead important conversations among their peers and students.