Five Things for Educators to Keep in Mind After March for Our Lives

Lesson Plans Can Wait

There is never enough time to complete all the curriculum and finish all the activities with your students. But today is a day to embrace the messiness, embrace that slightly derailed scope and sequence to give weight to topics that are happening now. When we ignore or dismiss an important event, we show our students that it is not worthy of our time. Say something, and show your students the power of voice—yours and their own. 

They're Not Too Young

Research shows us that children can handle difficult topics at a very young age. In fact, speaking with them about difficult topics when they're young better prepares students to positively process and heal later in their lives. The images from this weekend spotlight the incredible power that even very young people possess, from 9-year-old Yolanda Renee King calling back to her grandfather's famous dream to 11-year-old Naomi Wadler speaking on behalf of forgotten victims of gun violence. View and discuss clips from the march, and watch as your students become empowered by their peers. 

Have Their Backs, but Let Them Lead

This movement is led by youth. They are organized, inclusive and very powerful. More than 200,000 people took part in the #MarchforOurLives march in Washington, D.C., and an estimated 800 other marches took place across the country. Your students will tell you what they want to talk about and need to process. Let them ask the questions, let them guide the discussions and let them lead. Give them opportunities to do something about the topics they feel passionate about. Too often we assume kids need us to show them the way and hold their hands to get them there. This weekend's march is evidence that, when we allow them to lead, they can do incredible things. 

Expect Emotion

There were many raw and impassioned moments this weekend, as well as over the course of this movement. The topic of gun violence in the United States is sensitive and extremely polarizing. We are all witnesses to tragedy after tragedy, and as much as we are affected, our students are too. Students who have seen or been involved in gun violence may show their emotions even more as this topic is brought to the national stage. Students whose families own guns or who don't support gun control legislation may be feeling defensive or even outraged. Be cognizant of who your students are and have a plan for when strong emotions come up. And don't be afraid to share your emotions with your students. Have you been personally affected by gun violence? What emotions do you have about this movement? Be appropriately transparent with your students. It will open doors and create meaningful connections. 

Connect to History

Youth activism has a long history in this country and all over the world. Show your students that kids taking a stand is not a new phenomenon: Children facing water hoses in Birmingham, Dream Defenders in Florida, Anti-Apartheid activists in South Africa. All these movements had impact because of the direct action of youth. Show your class that this weekend's march was the next step in a long journey toward a safe and equitable society for all.