Hello Everyone!
The school year has been moving steadily along and the children have been busy at work all over Greene Towne! This month we’ve been having conversations about Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Black History Month.
In the United States, Black History Month is recognized annually each February and this year in particular marks the 100th Anniversary of it being celebrated. To honor the history, contributions, beauty, diversity, resilience, power, joy, and love of the Black community students studied 8 artists of varying disciplines and 8 authors and poets.
Following up on our lessons during January for MLK Day and our “Love the Skin You’re In” project, Kindergartner’s during the World Around Us class read together The Undefeated with words by poet Kwame Alexander and illustrations by artist Kadir Nelson. We discussed the ways in which words and art can complement each other and the students explored the work of artists Faith Ringgold, Bisa Butler, Jacob Lawrence, Aaron Douglas, Alma Thomas, Jean-Michel Basqiat, Howardena Pindell, and Moe Brooker.
Working together in groups and pairs the children painted, illustrated, punched, and cut paper to create these beautiful collage hearts that honor each artist in an emulation of their specific styles. Lower Elementary read Nikki Giovanni’s poem BLK History Month aloud together and worked in pairs to discuss excerpts of works by authors and poets Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Alice Moore Dunbar Nelson, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Students were also able to use supplemental materials from our Diversity Library collection, such as Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, to learn more about the history as well.
After committing the words to paper some students chose to embellish the hearts with illustrations inspired by the poetry. All of this hard work came together to create a wonderful community display that’s currently on view in the First Floor Lobby. Students were also able to work on decorations to celebrate the Year of the Horse and our upcoming lessons will continue to focus on community building and honoring Ramadan.
Happy Black History Month, Happy Lunar New Year, Ramadan Mubarak!
-Ms. Allison (awiedman@gtms.org)
