One of the simplest ways to foster compassion and understanding in our classrooms is to give students opportunities to share stories about their lives. By communicating and listening, students can break down stereotypes and see each other as real people. This can be done through curriculum-related projects such as personal narrative and poetry or as part of a daily class meeting.
At the start of a new administration, we can all recommit to working for equity in schools. Members of the Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board suggest some ways to get started.
Many teachers in the United States will include a lesson on Emmett Till as an introduction to the civil rights movement or as part of their Black History Month plans. This year, it’s time to modify the lesson.