“Since students may be exposed to racist posts on social media or racist comments about the coronavirus, you might hear some of this discourse in your classroom or throughout the school building. It is imperative that you interrupt it every time it occurs.”  – Coshandra Dillard, Teaching Tolerance

There’s a lot of talk about COVID-19!

So I’ll start there. The multiple concerns surrounding the spread of the Novel Corona virus have become a hotbed for the rapid circulation of misleading and fear-mongering news items. To counter such tendencies, I offer you two resources which may help in your classrooms or even at home.

Here’s a comic designed for kids about the virus and how to protect themselves. Written and illustrated by Malak Gharib this 12 panel comic explains the virus in kid-friendly terms with a helpful dose of humor.

Teaching Tolerance offers a thoughtful article about how to combat racism surrounding the spread of the corona virus. Many East Asians have faced increased scrutiny and blatant racism in several locations around the world as people associate them with the spread of the virus. Ensuring that our students understand that the virus is a human phenomenon and not confined to any racial or ethnic group may be one of the most critical points we can convey to folks at this time of heightened anxiety. 

Crises do not make teaching or learning easier. My hope for all of us is that we can stay healthy, support each other generously and count our blessings as we go. 

March is Women’s History Month – Make it count!

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th and Women’s History Month,  I present a Feminist Book List for Readers 0-18 which includes an impressive range of titles. I recommend exploring the website and examining their criteria for selecting children’s books as feminist.
“…feminist books show women solving problems, gaining personal power, and empowering others. They celebrate girls and women as a vibrant, vital force in the world. These books explain that there is a gender issue; they don’t leave the reader to guess.”

To finish up I want to share some highlights from a current display of women heroes on the main hallway of our elementary school to celebrate International Women’s Day. Class groups researched and recorded their findings about their individual of choice. Historical giants include the likes of Amelia Erheart, Maya Angelou, Wilma Rudolph, Jane Goodall, Temple Grandin, Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, Simone Biles, Susan B. Anthony, Mae Jemison, and Hellen Keller. 

What sorts of activities are happening in your school community to honor the many contributions of women locally and globally, past and present?

Please take some opportunities to celebrate women this month wherever you find yourself. Our children are watching and listening to learn how women are appreciated and recognized. Let’s set all the best examples in our classrooms, on the sports fields and courts, and in our circles of friends and family.

Be well,
Sherri

*images: ©Sherri Spelic