I have hesitated in writing this blog because I did not feel confident in the way that I wished to support us in celebrating and honoring Black History Month. For one thing, while I do believe in dedicating time and space in the classroom to celebrate diversity and to study all truths of our history, I don’t think this is something that should be focused on for 1 month of the year. My hope is that we are preparing our lessons with inclusivity for all 12 months and for every year after that.
So how can we find ways to not only recognize and celebrate in February but also throughout the year.
Here are a few ideas that I have either seen modeled to me or have used In my classroom:
Student Choice
Use this time to open up the learning opportunities to your students. Instead of having the teacher determine which part of black history they want to emphasize or study, let your students choose what they want to learn. Obviously, there will need to be some direction so that the students understand that this is not just for them to seek information that interests them, but we also need to have them choose how they will show mastery of the standards for that unit. Here are just a few platforms that you may be able to provide to your students to browse and learn:
Discover History
The film Hidden Figures highlighted the fact that there are a lot of influential and smart people who were a part of history but because of their gender or race were not recognized for their work and/or achievements.
Wouldn’t it be fun and satisfying to research with your students other hidden figures in history? Here are some resources you and your students could use to discover hidden figures and amazing human beings that should be recognized in our curriculum:
Reverse Mentoring
Have you heard of this idea? Basically, the concept is to open our minds to the idea that we can all learn from each other. Patrice Gordon shares her experience with reverse mentoring and how this concept brings a new perspective that the novice can also teach the master. I can see this happening in the classroom either through peer partnerships or student teachers. Allowing your students or even colleagues to teach each other creates engagement and increases inclusivity. Let’s bring new perspectives to the classroom discussions and get excited to be inspired by what others have to share.
I can also see reverse mentoring as something that education leaders can use in their school to gain a different perspective. Leaders or administration can sometimes become blind to what is really happening in the classroom when we don’t offer a chance to learn from new and vetted teachers.
My thought is to keep finding ways to celebrate diversity. Let’s not just keep it to one month or one lesson plan out of the year. Open up those chances to hear all voices and learn from each other (teacher and student). I would love to hear what you do to honor Black History Month in your classroom and at your school.
See You Real Soon,
Erin