RUBY BRIDGES
The things you teach in the classroom impact your students beyond what you'd often believe. For this reason, even when the lesson you're teaching does not directly teach about ethics, morals or making the right choice, it's a constant conversation that should be going on in the classroom. I've found that this is especially important to instill at a very young age to develop empathy for others.
When I noticed that my student were particularly interested in the Civil Rights movement and moved by Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges, I decided it was key to have a discussion regarding how we should treat people and how this impacts others. It's so powerful hearing students share their concern for others feelings and a desire to stand up for others.
This same technique and method of including a conversation about ethics and "how does this make you feel?" or "how do you think this made her feel?" can be applied with almost any topic in class.
We ultimately decided to write letters to Ruby Bridges (which were pre-headed and signed and included pictures of Ruby) and to send them to her. We even got a response! The children felt really moved and excited by the opportunity to express their appreciation for someone from history and to hear back from her!
What I've discovered is that not only is being an educator about treating others in a fair manner and with respect, but it's about modeling that behavior for our children and teaching them to do the same.
When I noticed that my student were particularly interested in the Civil Rights movement and moved by Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges, I decided it was key to have a discussion regarding how we should treat people and how this impacts others. It's so powerful hearing students share their concern for others feelings and a desire to stand up for others.
This same technique and method of including a conversation about ethics and "how does this make you feel?" or "how do you think this made her feel?" can be applied with almost any topic in class.
We ultimately decided to write letters to Ruby Bridges (which were pre-headed and signed and included pictures of Ruby) and to send them to her. We even got a response! The children felt really moved and excited by the opportunity to express their appreciation for someone from history and to hear back from her!
What I've discovered is that not only is being an educator about treating others in a fair manner and with respect, but it's about modeling that behavior for our children and teaching them to do the same.