Black History Month is important, as we must highlight and honor the contributions of Black individuals in the United States for all students to learn and grow, and honor and value the students who are Black at Park Brook. At the same time, Black History Month cannot be a ‘thing’ to check off as something accomplished; Black individuals and individuals of all races must be intentionally included in the curriculum throughout the entire school year .
This list is not all inclusive, but rather to give a taste of a few specific ways Black History Month will be intentionally included at Park Brook Elementary:
· 3rd – 5th grade students in special education: curriculum has been selected that will focus on medical, engineering and science contributions by two Black female scientists and one Black male scientist. Students will be working on their reading and writing goals using these readings. Written responses and discussion will focus on the specific achievements and its impact on science and on the larger community.
· Second graders watched the video Our Friend Martin, and then students wrote their own dreams for the future for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. During morning meetings during the month of February (Black History Month), the 2nd grade teachers will feature a Black individual each day and the contributions they have made to society. They will call this their VIP time.
· Third graders will be creating African artwork based upon the work of a Black artist.
· Throughout the building, short stories of Black individuals are displayed for students to read individually, and for classes to read and discuss when they stop in the hallway as a class on their way to music, physical education, bathroom breaks, and so on.
· The display case has a new display to highlight Black History Month and I Love to Read Month.
A few years back, Park Brook Elementary purchased over 70 book sets for guided reading groups that represent the students at Park Brook. The district also purchased additional books for classroom libraries to significantly increase the representation of students and races who are historically not included in curriculum. Classroom and reading teachers will be selecting books for guided reading groups and read aloud books that highlight the positive contributions to our society from Black individuals.
While this month will focus on Black History Month, Park Brook curriculum will represent the students at Park Brook throughout the year.