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My parents stopped patronizing our local cinema when I was a child because they were livid when the theater owner demanded to see a copy of my birth certificate as proof that I could pay the child admission price. The boycott lasted six years. Although it satisfied my mother’s desire to “not give that theater” her money, the theater’s business didn’t crumble. I am not sure it prevented the theater’s management from treating another young girl the same way.

Careful planning, thoughtfulness and alliances will help educators avoid the pitfalls of Black History Month.

Something about Belinda’s brave smile looks familiar to me. The briefest shadow darkens her face while other students banter about the gifts they’ve asked for and the ones they’ve already received. Because she’s outgoing, the other kids don’t recognize the proud face she wears while they talk of skiing, sumptuous meals and overseas travel. Belinda never says a word. She just smiles and listens.

Before winter break hits, take some time to plan your school’s celebration of kindness!

This toolkit accompanies the article “Uncommon Ground,” and provides a classroom activity to celebrate diversity and build common ground by making personal story quilts.

Educators have an ethical obligation to teach accurately about Thanksgiving. Here are some online resources that can help.

After a candid classroom discussion, this high school teacher marvels at the questions and concerns that educators like herself must confront at school.

Vermont students claim their legacy of participatory democracy.

During the school year, I try to empower my students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions. I begin with a unit I call, “Question Authority.” Students investigate all kinds of authorities, including government, media, and history. It’s a powerful unit that leaves kids shocked (“Food labels can say fat-free even if there’s fat in the food?”), disappointed (“Those models in the magazine are all Photoshopped?”), and angry (“We imprisoned people just because of their ethnic heritage?”). They learn to develop a critical lens with which to question the reality they once blindly accepted.