Why Frogs and Snakes Never Play Together - In this lesson, students will read, act out, hear a reading, or watch a performance of a play that tells the story of a chance meeting in the woods of children from two families—one of frogs, the other of snakes. The frog and snake children develop a wonderful friendship. But when the siblings tell their parents about their new friends, they are told to never play together again. The play addresses the important topic of diversity and will spark a discussion about the topic of prejudice.
One - The purpose of this read aloud is to show children that sometimes bullying can occur because someone can feel as isolated as the bullying themselves makes them feel, and we can in fact come together and find common ground as long as we stand up for each other, and stand together.
Crossing Bok Chitto - Students will learn about the oral traditions of two different cultures, and how two young children braved friendship and trust. Students will also learn about different forms of resistance by enslaved Africans including oral traditions through religion, alliances with other communities, and escaping enslavement to stay together.
Exploring Gender Stereotypes Through Role Plays - This lesson offers role plays and essential questions to guide students as they participate. Children have a chance to use creative, dramatic expression to consider not only the roots of gender stereotypes, but also their consequences and strategies for counteracting them.
My Family Rocks! -In this introductory lesson, students explore the definition of family, learn about different kinds of family structures and explore what makes their own family unique.
Understanding My Family's History - After exposure to relevant literature in class, students will research their family history by interviewing their parents. They will use this information along with visual props to tell their story to classmates.
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton - In this lesson students will listen to Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton and write their own poems about freedom. This story is about George Moses Horton, an enslaved African who taught himself to read, and eventually became a renowned poet. Students will learn about Horton’s life, most of which he spent enslaved in North Carolina until the end of the Civil War. Students will also learn that there were many forms of resistance by enslaved Africans including efforts to learn and teach others to read and write.