Stamped by Shelley Fenton

Stamped by Shelley Fenton https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z Facilitating Courageous Conversations en-us 2021-07-07 15:47:49 UTC 2023-01-28 08:08:27 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4d5.png Hello! I’m Michele Ramsey. Spanish teacher, mom, life long learner, Italian, forty something, woman, and I am here to listen., think and share. https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640860229 2021-07-07 21:30:10 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640860229 Until we learn to talk about race the poison of racism won’t go away. https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640864909

I think to when students hesitate to say black or white… I think to when I hesitate to identify someone as being black or white or Hispanic or Asian. Why the pause? How can we identify race and know if it’s necessary and or respectful? I don’t truly know how to talk about race without being …..considered racist?

]]> 2021-07-07 21:38:02 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640864909 Hello, I'm Lyndsey Lange. ELA teacher, immigrant, traveler, nature lover, and I'm here to learn how to contribute to a more antiracist future and to empower my students to do the same. langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640985252 Thanks, Michele. I copied your format! ]]> 2021-07-08 00:18:16 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640985252 "So remember as you read that you are part of writing the next chapter. The choices you make, the words you use, the way you look at yourself and those around you - they all matter." langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640992646 These lines from the introduction really resonated with me. After reading Ghost Boys with my students this year, I realized that they struggle with how to help the world to be less racist, especially in a predominantly white community. I love the message that they are "writing the next chapter" and that they have the power to help change things by the way they act every day. ]]> 2021-07-08 00:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1640992646 Hello, I am Maureen Borgeest, Librarian at Oliver W. Winch Middle School. Jason Reynolds is one of my favorite authors. I am excited to read Stamped, as well as discuss it with the other participants. I do believe it's really going to be a learning experience and something I can share with students as well as adults. https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644636839 2021-07-11 17:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644636839 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644665377 I recently read a NPR interview with both authors. The interview is interesting, I strongly urge you to read it when you get a chance, it's not long at all. The interview also includes students and their feelings about the book Stamped and the importance of a book like this for everyone.

After reading the introduction and the first few pages of the book, it was very interesting how Reynolds discusses the history of racism, slavery and how both are so ingrained in society, past and present. ]]> 2021-07-11 18:52:54 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644665377 Hi All - Tim Dawkins here ready to go! I'm excited to read this remix of Kendi's work and try to experience it through both my adult perspective and the eyes of our middle level students. I was first introduced to Jason Reynolds through his book Long Way Down. I have high hopes for this and for our discussions! dawkinst https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644823664 2021-07-12 00:26:34 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644823664 What do I hope to get out of this? Yes, I want to learn, of course. But also I want to become braver especially when it comes to speaking up about racism, racial inequity, and systemic oppression. dawkinst https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644836821 In many ways, I believe the students we work with, members of Gen Z, are much braver in general than I ever was when I was their age. In many ways they are braver than me even as I am now, a 41 year old white male in a much better position to affect change on some level. I hope that reading this and talking genuinely with all of you helps me to go a little bit farther on that path toward growth and courage. - Tim]]> 2021-07-12 00:32:25 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1644836821 Hey everyone - I'm Abby! I teach AIS ELA at the middle school and am a co-advisor for our No Place for Hate club. I'm excited to revisit Stamped through a different lens than I had when I read it for the first time last year. I can't wait to hear all of our different perspectives and discuss how we can work together in our journey toward antiracist education. brighama https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645049350 2021-07-12 01:58:40 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645049350 Hello Everyone! Shelley here, I am now a fourth grade teacher at Moreau. I am also a Project LIT book club advisor, helping to facilitate conversations around powerful literature. Last year, I worked with students at the middle school with this project and this past year I worked with fifth graders. I read the middle grade version of Stamped with my students and learned so much from their questions and our open discussions we had together. fentons https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645819497 2021-07-12 11:37:45 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645819497 pisanil https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645892584 Hi everyone! I am Laura Pisani. I teach 4th grade at Moreau...also a mom who spends SOOOO much time on the softball fields every summer. I always have a book with me to pass some of the down time. Last summer I read Stamped so I am really excited to read the version for kids this summer. I can't wait to read it with my 4th graders this year!]]> 2021-07-12 12:59:46 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645892584 pisanil https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645900186 After reading the book Stamped last summer and participating in the PD last summer, I feel that the conversations in my classroom changed for the better this year. We really got into some deep conversations, not just about race, but about people that are different from us. Kids are so open and honest once those conversations get going. We used picture books to start these conversations. So, I am hoping this summer to find ways to keep those conversations going in my classroom. But, just like a lot of people have already posted, I too struggle with what is the okay and acceptable thing to say!

]]> 2021-07-12 13:07:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645900186 Shannon Fagle-Fedele https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645960949 Hello! I am a high school English teacher hoping to learn more about how to be an anti-racist. ]]> 2021-07-12 13:57:12 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645960949 Shannon Fagle-Fedele https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645962399 I would like to become more and more confident in my anti-racist journey.]]> 2021-07-12 13:58:26 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1645962399 modyp https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1648077677 I really enjoyed Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book How to be an Antiracist last summer (even more than Tiffany Jewel's book) so I was excited to see that the group was looking at the Jason Reynolds remix of Kendi's Stamped From the Beginning. I have been doing a LOT of reading on this topic over the last 2.5 years and we finally started putting some of it into action. We have a Students of Color Union starting at South High this summer and fall and I just want to immerse myself in as much information and as many perspectives as I can to help fuel that continuation of the Day of Dialogue we just had in June and those student's efforts in taking on these conversations for the next year (or ten!). This book has been great so far. I really enjoy Reynold's writing voice.

]]> 2021-07-13 20:05:26 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1648077677 Late to the party! modyp https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1648109742 Sorry that I am late to the party. I am Pete Mody. South High Principal and day of three. I am thrilled to be continuing conversations and learning on antiracism this summer with all of you!!!]]> 2021-07-13 20:56:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1648109742 We talked a little about The Four Agreements, here's a link if you want to find out more! https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1649854163 The Fifth Agreement by Ruiz
The fifth agreement is:
Be skeptical, but learn to listen.]]> 2021-07-14 20:34:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1649854163 I am late to the party too! I was having surgery while you were all chatting together! I will be there on the 19th! https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653461377 2021-07-17 20:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653461377 Sections 1 & 2 Reflections brighama https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653499820 I am not a fan of sharing my writing, especially my unedited writing! But I'm trying to be vulnerable and be okay with making mistakes, so here's an extension of the ramblings in my brain with misspelled words and incorrect grammar. Took so many notes from these sections and I can't wait to hear what everyone else took away from it!]]> 2021-07-17 23:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653499820 Pages 1 - 35 Reflections henzell https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653791650 I found a piece of information in the reading that I will be able to use in class.....
In second grade, we study the unit, Fighting for a Cause, which celebrates the men and women in history who helped fight for rights of women, children and people of color. The kids truly enjoy learning about this information and we make real world comparisons within each lesson.
Often, we reference the movie, Remember the Titans as some of the kids have seen this. It is a great comparison for the children because it is at their level of understanding and brings the lesson to real life.
In the reading, particularly in Chapter 5, I noticed that the 'abolitionists suggested that those being enslaved should break stereotypes to stay "quiet" among the whites. For example, they were asked to:
*go to church regularly
*speak proper English
*learn trades
*get married'
I liked the analogy that black people should not be "made" to be someone they are not. This is fitting in the classroom as a comparison to how children are often feeling the "pinch" of peer pressure. While I completely understand the difference in the level of magnitude of this, I think it is a real world example to be able to use with my children, as no child or adult should be "made" to be someone they are not.

]]> 2021-07-18 17:06:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653791650 Providing multiple perspectives. starka10 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653820061 This weeks reading, and likely much of this book will have very direct connections to the subject matter taught in high school social studies classes. When reflecting, I think that what this text does so well is that it challenges the reader to view the founding fathers and the history of European interactions with Africa and the Americas in a much more complex way. It is easy for students and teachers to generalize and gloss over sections of history that are multifaceted or difficult to discuss. However, I feel that a modern historian should strive to seek out multiple perspectives, ask questions, and encourage the next generation of students of history to do the same. I have highlighted the section of the 9th grade social studies framework that references the Atlantic slave trade and I hope that I can use this book and discussions that will occur in this book study to better frame the discourse on this content in my Global 9 courses. ]]> 2021-07-18 18:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653820061 What influences Perspectives ramseym2 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653912957 I remember how deceived I felt when I really learned the truth about Christopher Columbus. I read his diary in my Latin American studies class and I was genuinely confused on how he could be considered a hero. I grew up participating in Columbus day parades, with my uncle dressed up as Columbus. I just was never asked to really understand the implications of him until this course (year 2000). Like the conquering of the Americas (a huge stain on the evolution of humanity), Slavery too carries the weight of destruction of cultures and humanity. My "enlightenment" or opportunity to explore perspectives should have happened much sooner in my education. But the teacher needs to know how to set the stage with facts, foster quality questioning, and allow for exploring the possible perspectives. There was a part on page 21 in the Middle School version of the book that made me uncomfortable/ frustrated by the conclusion author wanted the reader to draw and I think too much information was missing yet was absolutely opinion forming. I find that dangerous. (I wrote more in my journal about this to be able to discuss)
]]> 2021-07-18 23:52:35 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1653912957 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654691429 I wasn't surprised how enslavement of a group is so ingrained in the world's history. It was also very interesting on how religion played an important role. Converting the savages to Christianity. I don't want to offend anyone, religion can be a dangerous topic of conversation. I also started thinking more about the term assimilation. I think for so many "white" people, the expectation is that the black population assimilates, to be like us when in all reality that may not be possible?]]> 2021-07-19 12:36:01 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654691429 dawkinst https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654736862 It continues to be amazing to me how humans are so capable of changing the narrative to meet their own needs at the time. This can be seen throughout recorded history, and indeed still continues to this day around our current trials and tribulations. I think the most shocking thing to me was my lack of knowledge about the various theories "intellectuals" of the time proposed about enslaved Africans. I had never heard of the Climate Theory or the Cursed Theory. Again, we change the story to fit into a nice box that doesn't make us too uncomfortable.

I also think it is important for us to remind ourselves that we are reading a book geared toward middle-grade readers, and the language and style of writing certainly shows that. I have found myself stopping several times throughout this portion to ask if I, as a middle school student, would be inspired to learn more about a particular topic based on the way it is presented rather than viewing it through my adult lens. ]]> 2021-07-19 13:26:04 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654736862 Shannon Fagle-Fedele https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654749811 I am so excited to discuss the concepts and writing style of this book! I am reading the Reynolds version. His writing style is perfect for the student (and I love it, too!).

]]> 2021-07-19 13:39:22 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654749811 "Back then, slavery had nothing to do with skin color. Didn't mater what you looked like, it just mattered that you were conquered." langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654754690 This section of chapter 1 really surprised me because I had never really thought about the beginning of racism and the idea that slavery was connected to skin color. To be honest, I'm still having a hard time getting my head around it. I thought that throughout history many empires conquered other cultures and people, not just to have slaves, but also because they believed they were inferior and weak and that often the conquerers were lighter skinned and the conquered were darker skinned, but maybe I'm wrong! I need to go back to high school!

]]> 2021-07-19 13:43:33 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654754690 "In 1776 Thomas Jefferson, a thirty-three year old delegate to the Second Continental Congress, sat down to pen the Declaration of Independence. At the beginning of the declaration, he paraphrased the Virginia Constitution and wrote 'All men are equal.' Bears repeating. All men are created equal. Say it with me. All men are created equal. But were slaves seen as 'men?''' modyp https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654772333 This is what it keeps coming down to for me. The need to separate and divide to provide a reason for denying people right, competitive equity, and access to better protect what the haves have. The cotradiction of Thomas Jefferson's words and philosophy with his life actions show a broad lack of willingness to let another group into the circle for fear that they might take what the dominant group has (or the next generations of that dominant group). So what is a white supremacist to do? Come up with whatever notions, constructs, and emotional fuel they can to be sure there is not a threat to their ongoing domination. And if you can get people of color to buy in and internalize their own oppression, then you have momentum you just need to keep going. It is stunning simple to see in this book and so frustrating that we have done a terrible job stopping it.

]]> 2021-07-19 13:58:25 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1654772333 Section 3 Reflections brighama https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1655928508 The story of Harriet Beecher Stowe rallying the support of white women in the fight for abolition through her novel Uncle Tom's Cabin really stood out to me in this section. While her book was super racist, religiously bigoted and inaccurate, her power as a white woman enabled her to do what Phillis Wheatley was unable to do. It reminds me of Brendan Kiely, a YA author who argues that writing about people different from you builds empathy and awareness. While I enjoy his books, I do try to offer books to my students that are written by people close to the identities of their main characters. #OwnVoices texts have come up a couple of times in our meetings so far, and I want to talk more about this movement on Monday! ]]> 2021-07-20 13:00:08 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1655928508 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1660355272 While reading this section of Stamped I thought a lot about the discussion of Abraham Lincoln. I think most of us realize that he wasn't perfect or a hero. Slavery wasn't his priority. I was also thinking about the other individuals Reynolds wrote about, the abolitionists, the people that tried to make changes and how difficult it must have been especially when you consider the times they were living in. Was it perfect, definitely not.
Then I read the article "What if I say the wrong thing" by Melissa Weinberg. I found this article really interesting, specifically the part "Messages to white people." How it can be really confusing as a white person, to know what to do, what to do say, and how to foster change. The article also discusses perfection and how difficult it is to achieve. "Perfectionism gets in the way of meaningful action." How the pressure of perfectionism can lead to inaction. What I took away from this article is that taking baby steps toward change can lead to bigger and better things. I felt that this article connected to what Reynolds was saying about Abraham Lincoln and the anti-slavery movement as a whole, perfection is not always attainable, but if you change the world around you a little bit here and there, those changes will spread.]]> 2021-07-25 16:29:42 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1660355272 Chapter 8, particularly pages 48-49 henzell https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1660438076 This section of the reading stood out for me because it brought to light that while Black people were free, they truly didn't have a place to go, or a way to earn money, the chance to vote, or build a life for themselves, etc. The term "free" is used loosely.

I also found it interesting that Booker T. Washington felt that Black people should go into the trades and not get an education. While the reasons for Booker T. Washington's thoughts are completely different that what we discuss with children in second grade, I do believe it would be a good discussion starter as we often encourage children to continue their education or go into a trade. Trades are just as important to our society as an education and I think it would be a neat discussion to ask the children to compare trades and education as they know them versus during the time of enslaved people.

This book continues to open my eyes to the challenges people of color have faced and continue to face. Great choice!]]> 2021-07-25 22:25:39 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1660438076 So Many Parallels brighama https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1663110178 There are so many parallels between this range of US history and today. Which like, duh, we all know history repeats itself at an embarrassing rate, but it really stuck with me this week.

When thinking about Jack Johnson, I couldn't help but think of Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman and the recent backlash to his celebrations of his accomplishments. Dugouts shouldn't empty and clash at home plate just because a pitcher celebrates a tough out. Black athletes (and all athletes of color) have the right to be confident, proud, and acknowledge their talent. Similar things have happened to Serena Williams and recently, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have been criticized for prioritizing their mental health. Sha'Carri Richardson was criticized for her mistake leading up to the Olympics and other Olympians were told not to even think about using their power at this time to protest injustice.

Along the same lines, entertainers who are people of color do not make art for white people. But I feel like white people certainly have a lot of opinions when it comes to Lil Nas X, Cardi B, and Megan thee Stallion. My family and social media are always fired up after they release a new music video! I think it makes sense to connect them to Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance.

I also think it's important to have these conversations in our classrooms, too. What are kids seeing and hearing, what questions do they have, and once again, whose story is being told?]]> 2021-07-28 13:07:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1663110178 My eyes continue to be opened....... henzell https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1665720021 I found many things interesting in the chapters for this week.

*How freedom vs oppression was visible in: writing and books, weapons and war, speeches and activism, and in movies.

*Still saddened over the controversy of Dr. Seuss books as I always thought of them as bubbly, fun stories that helped children read with the poetry and repetition. I must look into some of these titles to see where the "racist ideas were baked in".

*The American education system lacking funding for black student schools. Black schools "having" to send their students to white schools and not the other way around. It is ironic to me that we are still lacking funding, but for all students. When will education become more of a priority? 🙃

*Ruby Bridges and her courage in entering white schools and showing all people that education should be for all!

*The interesting "clash" of two activists and how they shared their fights.....Martin Luther King, Jr and his peaceful protests and Malcolm X and his use of finding freedom using any means necessary.

I continue to enjoy the reading material and find that I can use it in my teaching at a second grade level. The pause and unpause sections are beneficial to me and will be used in classroom discussions as they break down the material.

]]> 2021-08-01 01:28:13 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1665720021 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1665981918 As I read this section of Stamped, I thought again about assimilation and anti-racism. It was very interesting to read about W.E.B. DuBois and Reynolds' explanation that DuBois was an assimilationist. I guess I had never really thought about these historical figures in that manner.

I read an article recently from the Washington Post discussing Kendi's Stamped and in this article Kendi states that even Barack Obama is an assimilationist. What would Barack Obama have needed to do in order to be considered an anti-racist by Kendi and Reynolds? Would he have been elected President of the United States if he had conducted himself in a different manner?

I don't mean to offend anyone with these questions, just food for thought at this point, playing the devil's advocate.

As educators, I think we have to ask ourselves this question as well, how do a group of white teachers teach a not very diverse student body about racism. Who's writing that curriculum and is it authentic?]]> 2021-08-01 17:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1665981918 "The Thing About Big Deals" starka10 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1666671318 I rarely stop reading and bookmark a page in a book. However, there was a line in this book that really struck a chord with me. p 110 "The Fifteenth Amendment was a big deal. But here's the thing about big deals. If people aren't careful, they can be tricked into believe a big deal is a done deal." This really resonated with me as a social studies teacher. I was fortunate enough to have had an incredible graduate professor who taught her students about educational court cases. She walked her students through the evolution of desegregation attempts after Brown vs. Board. That course helped me learn how something I thought fixed a problem, was only a small step forward and not a complete solution. This book has helped remind me of this concept. It is one of my goals as an educator of history to help students understand that landmark moments in history are not the end of story. ]]> 2021-08-02 12:06:15 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1666671318 Assimilationists langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672302880 I did a lot of reflecting this week about the section regarding Barack Obama. I also read what Maureen wrote last week and I was thinking about a lot of the same things. In particular, I hadn't thought prior to this book about Obama being an assimilationist. Upon reflection, I wonder the same as Maureen: Would he have won the election if he had spoken out more assertively as an antiracist? Similar to Lincoln, who had to stop talking about the abolishment of slavery in order to win the support of southern voters, Obama had to become more moderate. On the other hand, Trump openly expressed his racist ideas and even though he was criticized, he still won the election. It's really mindblowing.
I also thought about my 3 black students this year. 2 out of the 3 were assimilationists. Only 1 girl would openly speak about her race and her outrage about what's happening in the country. The 2 students that didn't seem to have an opinion were mixed race. I wonder if these important conversations don't happen in their households and they are encouraged to assimilate and embrace their "whiter" side.

]]> 2021-08-09 01:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672302880 So much to talk about! brighama https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672803193 2021-08-09 12:29:19 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672803193 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672882559 2021-08-09 13:45:28 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1672882559 Maureen Borgeest https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1679537700 When Obama was elected president, I remember thinking, wow this is a very important time in history. I thought to myself maybe things are really starting to change, as a country we are really moving forward! Now I'm not so sure.

How can I use this in the classroom?

I have a middle school book club with Vicki Leroux, that's one way to get started!

I was talking to Lori Kiernan recently and she had mentioned that Moreau has a Project Lit book club and the students love it! Some really great discussions and those students are excited to see what the middle school has to offer with regard to Project Lit.

Of course, reaching out to teachers, providing titles and ideas on how to incorporate novels like Stamped and graphic novels like March and Run by John Lewis into the curriculum.

This year I did share with Mrs. Melucci and Mr. Cottrell, 8 grade social studies teachers at the middle school, the graphic novel about Japanese internment They called us enemy by George Takei.

I do believe that we have to take baby steps, I know that approach may offend some of you, but I think it's really important to not "pressure" or expect teachers to change their curriculum overnight, it's going to be a work in progress!

]]> 2021-08-15 17:28:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1679537700 Incorporating Antiracist Curriculum langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1680372468 Last year, in May/June I decided to read Ghost Boys to my class. It was a wonderful decision. After this week, I have been thinking about how to integrate antiracist elements throughout the school year so it's not taught in isolation. However, I also don't want it to be something that is overemphasized either (I feel that way no matter what the topic). So I began to think of some ways that I can bring awareness to the topic.
- 6th grade read aloud: Bystander. It is obvious that the character's are white. I do wish that we revisited this choice as a team, but it often becomes difficult to arrive at a consensus. We do identity maps at the beginning and I plan on expanding that activity to make stronger connections between bullying and the dominant culture in the US.
- Quick Writes: We do quick writes in ELA and I plan in finding articles/infographics etc to reflect on.
- Book Clubs: my strength ... I include very diverse choices in the choices offered to my students, however I am going to reevaluate with a more antiracist eye. For example, I don't think I include any books with an Hispanic experience
- Research/nonfiction: Students easily find white people in their research that contributed to their topic, so I will be encouraging deeper research of less recognized people.
- Ghost Boys: Use passages from Stamped to help highlight certain concepts, such as page 4 about assimilationists, segregationalists and antiracists.
- Donor's Choose: I am working on a project right now to get more antiracist books for my classroom library. ]]> 2021-08-16 13:10:23 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1680372468 Great Article langel1 https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1680377012 Love the part: "A Questioning Frame of Mind"]]> 2021-08-16 13:13:51 UTC https://padlet.com/fentons/ngwbtotnddc2ad6z/wish/1680377012