The subject of the value of K-curricula in promoting social justice continues to generate great curiosity. Despite beliefs that make social justice education in the classroom optional is beneficial however, we recognize the possibility that it could harm students from marginalized society. Those who have experienced being marginalized in school. This is why we have put together a list lessons that are free for social justice and resources for classrooms as a way to help those working towards addressing the issues. This list is only guidelines. Anyone can find additional tools to aid them in their way to becoming more inclusive.
Teachers and administrators are encouraged to utilize GLSEN Education Resource as well as the Zinn Education Project for valuable knowledge about social justice issues in the classroom. It is the Zinn Education Project provides a assortment of materials for teaching including workshops, curricula, and workshops relevant to “people’s historical” issues, like climate change, Islamophobia, the labor movement and the New Deal, and antiwar protests, among other. More than that, teachers have been involved in the project’s training programs since it was first launched and have been provided with tools to develop their own courses and submit articles for publication. The project offers a variety of instructional materials for use in the classroom.
Are you aware that body appearance is a critical concern for social justice? Explore Body Happy Org’s website to gain more understanding about how how we feel about our bodies affects our mental health. Their site states “Body image issues don’t only influence the participation of youngsters in the classroom and activities, they also impact whether or not they attend them at all.” Click this link to see lesson plans that you can use for class. Also, visit their websites to read more about the ‘Acres and A Mule (multimedia role-play)’ and view other videos and tracks.
The international platform Kindergarten serves kids and their families in addition to early childhood educators and institutions. Kindergarten is a platform that promotes the rights of trans, black and gay people in education. Visit the page above for reading alouds and poems along with workshops as well as mutual aid shops. Additionally, they offer daily words especially designed specifically for children and young people. Additionally, they provide tools such as Woke Read-Alouds (via video) and Gender Inclusion Classrooms and Gender Inclusion Classrooms. Both are essential issues in education during recent times with regards to the rights of LGBTQ+ students in schools.
A Rainbow Club at your school is a great resource to find definitions, school-wide checklists that are inclusive, and additional websites to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity. You might also be interested in Queer Kid Stuff’s Youtube channel. If you want to know the best way to start clubs, refer to the Teaching Guide created through Teaching for Change, which will provide parents and teachers with important tools to help create an educational space that empowers learners to write, read and change the world at the same time as making connection to issues in the world.
As global citizens, we are in a position to help create an atmosphere of inclusivity in the classroom. To achieve this goal, Anti-Bias Education provides a diverse collection of resources for educators, including articles and book recommendations. Facing History & Ourselves also has trainings available for schools, as well as a network made up of partner schools, as well as training and assistance for administrators and teachers. They are specifically designed for the particular needs of each school’s community, from pedagogical theory to subject-specific content. Go to their site for more details on how you can bring Facing History & Ourselves into your school.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Rainbow Club at your school can be a great tool for helping to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity in the school system. Queer Kid Stuff’s Youtube channel provides valuable education and information. Its Teaching Guide by Teaching for Change provides parents and teachers with the tools they need to create an setting that motivates children to be aware of current problems and to connect with these issues. Students will be empowered by their experiences to build a welcoming school culture by following the guidance.
