Students in Lower School have been celebrating Black History Month all month with stories about famous Black men and women throughout history. Teachers are reading stories from books and Scholastic News. The stories have included Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., and other famous African Americans.
“Students have loved these stories,” said Associate Head of Lower School Sandra Triplett. “Students reflect on the stories and about how these African Americans made a difference in the world.”
Characteristics to emulate are brought to the students’ attention. “One characteristic that they have learned about is courage,” said Triplett. “They have seen how important it is to be brave and stand up for what is right even when no one else does. Many of these stories show individuals brave enough to take a stand and make a difference in our world for good. Their bravery has changed our world to make it a better place for all,” said Triplett.
Stories have also illustrated kindness and perseverance. “We have talked about how we need to be kind to everyone even if they are different from us. Also, we have talked about perseverance. Many of these stories showed the importance of never giving up even in hardships that we face,” said Triplett.
In fourth grade, research is added as an element of their study. “After class readings, students use their iPads to learn more about the person’s life. This deepens their knowledge and satisfies their curiosity,” said Abbie Cox, a fourth-grade teacher.
Cox said students have had several options when researching for Black History Month. The teachers have selected specific African Americans for them to study together as a class. Head of Lower School Sarah Love purchased several different books for teachers to incorporate into learning. Other times, students are allowed to choose who they would like to research. This way, there is a mix of more structured, intentional learning and learning that is student-led.
“When selecting passages to read with students, I chose people I thought students were less likely to have heard of yet as well as famous African Americans who excelled in areas that my students are interested in,” said Cox. “For example, we studied Jesse Owens, a prominent African American athlete who was a four-time gold medalist in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In fact, when looking at Jesse Owens, we discussed Adolf Hitler’s intent of holding the 1936 Olympics in Berlin to prove the Aryan race was superior. Along with many other athletes, Owens was instrumental in disproving this horrific belief to all of those who believed in the superiority of the white race. We had studied the Holocaust at the beginning of the year. That definitely came full circle and reminded students that the Nazi efforts were seen worldwide, not just in Germany and other European countries.”
Cox said that through their extensive research, students see over and over the conditions and racism that African Americans have suffered throughout history. However, they additionally witness the drive, perseverance, and heart that allowed these African Americans to endure and succeed. “They see their many accomplishments and God-given gifts that have made our world a better place,” she said.
In addition to classroom activities, students have options for additional study during library time. “When a class comes to the library each week, I always read a book aloud to the children. This month I’ve read books to each class about important African American women (Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks) and will be reading books about important African American men (George Washington Carver, Martin Luther King),” said Lower School Librarian Jana Ragland. “I have also gathered a collection of biographies that are available for students to check out.”
“We hope that by learning about the difficulties and inequalities African Americans have endured, our students understand the history yet make every effort to not repeat it. We truly hope they see all humans, regardless of race or ethnicity, as their brothers and sisters in Christ first and foremost,” said Cox.
