Black Lives Matter in the Classroom

Last year, What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book by Laleña Garcia and illustrated by Cary Davidson was published. The book aims to teach young children about the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter Movement as adapted by the Black Lives Matter at NYC Steering Committee. In the book, there are different activities that children can do and pages they can color. On January 20, 2021, I attended a webinar hosted by Lee and Low Books called Black Lives Matter in the Classroom: A Conversation With Experts, where Garcia and Davidson spoke about their book and how the principles of Black Lives Matter can be applied in the classroom.

First, they mentioned how it is important for teachers to establish community norms. This involves having open conversations about race with students. Then, students should be introduced to the concept of Black Lives Matter, including how the movement started and the principles that have guided it. After the principles are discussed, students should color the corresponding pages in the What We Believe activity book. Davidson was inspired by her friends and activists while designing the coloring pages and wanted to show how following the principles of Black Lives Matter can create the world we wish to see. Teachers must remind their students that the principles being covered relate to everyone in the classroom, not just the Black students. There are additional resources provided in the book that teachers can use to go more in depth about the meaning of each principle. 

 

 

The last part of the webinar was about how teachers can engage with families about the principles being covered in their classrooms. For starters, teachers should let parents and caregivers know that social justice and identity will be discussed in class. Giving parents and caregivers resources on the principles being covered will help them understand why it matters. It will also better equip them to talk about and apply these principles at home.

 

If you would like to watch the webinar, click this link.

Recent responses

  • Miriam Erbaugh
    published this page in Blog 2021-01-27 13:43:35 -0500

Related

Read Aloud Project: February Books

Posted by on February 24, 2021

The Read Aloud Project was created by Priscilla Weddle and Marie Benner-Rhoades to provide homeschooling resources in peace...

Author Spotlight: Dorena Williamson

Posted by on February 09, 2021

I am always looking for new books, authors, and publishers to highlight for the read aloud project. The other day, my father and...

Read Aloud Project: January Books

Posted by on February 02, 2021

The Read Aloud Project was created by Priscilla Weddle and Marie Benner-Rhoades to provide homeschooling resources in peace...

Anti-Racist Book List for Young Adults

Posted by on January 19, 2021

Following the Raising Race-Conscious Kids webinar series this summer, I began to look for...

Latest

Apr

03

2025

Positive Peace in Palestine

Posted by on April 03, 2025

Definitions

Negative peace: The absence of violence and war

Positive peace: The presence of social justice, of...

Mar

14

2025

Beloved Community

Posted by on March 14, 2025

Principle Two: Beloved Community

Reflection by Prisca Afantchao

The Beloved Community is the framework for the future.

The nonviolent concept is...

Mar

11

2025

Moving Through Fear

Posted by on March 11, 2025

From Agape Issue 3: Pursuing Justice 

2 Timothy: 17

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us...

Feb

28

2025

Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team Quarterly Update

Posted by on February 28, 2025

An update on the COB GVP written by Mandy Park: