#BlackHistoryMonth

https://youtu.be/FbDeRPcHzVw

by Teacher Kelsey (Rowan University Intern)

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of African Americans’ many contributions and achievements with special attention paid to their central role in United States history. At Friends School Mullica Hill we celebrate the achievements of people of color year round, however, in February we pay particular attention African American history. Here are just some of the ways we are honoring this special month:

• Teacher Caitlin’s (PreK) classroom theme this month is the Olympics. Going along with this theme, her Pre-K 2 students with be taught about historical and famous black athletes.
• Teacher Annie (1st Grade) is discussing with students about African American athletes in conjunction with the 2018 Winter Olympics.
• Teacher Glenn (Science) is having his students read biographies of inventors and innovators such as, George Washington Carver, Benjamin Banneker, and Elijah McCoy.
• Teacher Patti (4th Grade) is teaching the students about the underground railroad and the New Jersey routes leading the slaves to freedom. She spoke about the influence of the heroic Harriet Tubman and on March 8th is taking the students on a trip to visit the Peter Mott house, located in Lawnside, N.J. She read and discussed books like “The Teammates” by Peter Golenbock, a story about legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese.
• Teacher Debbie (2nd Grade) is using iPads to research the achievements of many African Americans. Her students created achievement wheels, which consisted of 8 different categories, allowing the children to individually report on a famous African American and their contributions to society.
• Teacher Kate (Music) is discussing with all grades the influence of Louis Armstrong and listening to and reviewing the popular songs “What a Wonderful World” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Grades 1, 2 and 3 are learning about Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald by listening to their music and reading relevant books to gather knowledge about the two. Middle School students have the opportunity to learn about several different jazz musicians with a brief history of the blues and jazz music. They are also exploring some techniques on jazz improvisation and playing the 12 bar blues on xylophones and ukuleles.
• Teacher Brad (Middle School) is having students read “To Kill a Mockingbird.” They have been reading the novel since January, however, this month he is relating the racial issues to Black History Month. He is making it known and relevant to students that there are issues of race happening in the world today.
• Teacher Diane (Art and Library) has encouraged students to check out a book featuring an African-American as the main character. Also, numerous books are on display highlighting African-American contributions in the arts, sciences, sports and more.
• Teacher Peter (5th Grade) is having students read “The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis. It is about an African American family that travels from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama during the early times of the US Civil Rights Movement. There have been fascinating conversations at that time period, about civil disobedience and some of its heroes. Also, Bob Horvay, will be bringing in a fabulous collection of Black History stamps that have been collected over the years. Students are looking forward to viewing this collection.
• Teacher Debbie (3rd Grade) with get the chance to learn about Ruby Bridges, an African American civil right activist and the first African American to attend an all-white elementary school. Her and the students will discuss what life was like during this time period and how Bridges used bravery to handle this situation.
• Teacher Nancy’s (PreK) class will be learning about figure in African American history, specifically – inventors, scientists, Olympic athletes. The afternoon PK will focus on musicians, athletes, and scientists.