Make Every Minute Count
In the hustle and bustle of a busy school schedule, finding effective ways to teach important lessons within a limited time frame is crucial. For a librarian who sees elementary classes for just thirty minutes a week, every moment counts. With Black History Month upon us, it’s essential to incorporate meaningful lessons that educate and inspire. In this blog post, we’ll explore five impactful library lessons that combine powerful books with engaging video clips to make the most out of those precious thirty minutes.
1. Ruby Bridges: Bridging the Past and Present
To kick off Black History Month, delve into the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges with the book The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles. This narrative beautifully captures Ruby’s historic integration into William Frantz Elementary School. Following the story, enhance the learning experience by showing students a reflective video clip of Ruby Bridges as an adult, providing a deeper understanding of her remarkable journey.
2. Wilma Rudolph: Triumph Over Adversity
Celebrate the incredible achievements of Wilma Rudolph, a three-time gold medalist who overcame physical limitations. Share the compelling story through the book Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull, and bring her achievements to life with a captivating video showcasing her triumphant moments on the podium. This lesson not only educates students about Wilma’s journey but also instills the importance of resilience and determination.
3. Henry “Box” Brown: Freedom Amidst Adversity\
Explore the story of Henry “Box” Brown using the book Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine. This powerful narrative is complemented by a thought-provoking Brainpop video on the Underground Railroad. By combining literature with multimedia, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced during this historical period and the courage it took to seek freedom.
4. Rosa Parks: Ordinary People Changing the World
Introduce students to the remarkable life of Rosa Parks with the engaging book I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer. The “Ordinary People Change the World” series offers a captivating comic book format that appeals to young readers. To deepen the experience, pair the book with a stimulating video clip from YouTube, providing additional context and insight into Rosa Parks’ pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
5. Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings: Inspiring Positive Transformation
Conclude Black History Month with a contemporary touch by reading Change Sings by Amanda Gorman. This bright and simple book carries a powerful message about the collective effort to bring positive change. Supplement the reading with a free download from Penguin School & Library to enrich the lesson and leave students inspired to work together for a better future. If you want to address social emotional needs in this lesson, this Brainpop video pairs nicely. I also allow a few minutes for students to work in partners to role play some situations requiring empathy.
Incorporating these five 30-minute library lessons during Black History Month not only maximizes learning within a limited timeframe but also creates a dynamic and engaging experience for students. By combining quality literature with relevant video clips, educators can inspire a love for history and instill valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom. As we celebrate Black History Month, let these lessons serve as a reminder of the resilience, courage, and transformative power of individuals who have shaped our history.
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