Your students and colleagues may be talking about this past weekend's viral story of an educator who confronted an 11-year-old for refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance. The incident and subsequent interactions with school staff ultimately resulted in the child's arrest and suspension. Read and share the resources in this edition of The Moment to better understand the school-to-prison pipeline—and what educators can do to interrupt it.
What do you read when the news gets you down? Here at TT, we're lucky to have years of inspiring stories to motivate us when we're feeling discouraged. This edition of The Moment features three staff favorites—from an unlikely friendship to a highly personal teaching strategy to timeless words of encouragement from a civil rights icon.
Last week, a 7-year-old black boy came home from school with a realistic-looking gunshot wound painted on his forehead—by his drama teacher. The image understandably alarmed his mother. And it reminds us of the harm educators inflict when they insist they "don't see race." We hope you'll read and share these recommendations for protecting, respecting and celebrating the identities of your black students.
During this winter break, we hope you’ll take extra time to check in with yourself. We are especially proud of your work this year amidst all that is happening around you. Watch this webinar as a reminder of the importance of educator self-care. And take some time to check out recent books we’re reading and films we’re watching that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice.
Reading about and celebrating African and Indigenous histories and cultures can be among the powerful first steps for children to engage with and expand their understanding of the world around them. And discussing commonalities across cultures helps children develop a strong sense of self and identity while recognizing and honoring diversity. To support these conversations and learning experiences, LFJ offers parents, caregivers and educators talking points, activities and book recommendations.