Third Grade Black History Lessons (Photostory)

 February is Black History Month, here in the States.  At the beginning of the month, Adele outlined the Black History lesson plans to her third grade class. 

"February is the official month to celebrate Black history.  Of course, we won't limit our learning about Black history just to this month, but we will focus more on it during the next four weeks."  (Adele)

"So the plan for this month is to explore Black history in three stages.   We will start with the Kings and Queens of Africa, then we will discuss slavery, and lastly we will discuss where we are currently today.  Our lessons will culminate with an in-depth look at our current President of the United Staes, the first African American president ever in these United States."  (Adele)

"I have a couple guest speakers planned this month.  We also have a field trip planned for the African American museum in Washington, D.C., and a few other fun things planned.  At the end of the month, you will be asked to write a report, so it would be in your best interest to pay attention and participate in all the activities."  (Adele)

"Yes, Dillon?"  (Adele)

"Can we take the subway when we go to the museum?"  (Dillon)

"I'm afraid not.  For safety reasons, we are going to take a school bus."  (Adele)

There is a collective groan from the kids.

Nikaya and Janet start talking about the pending trip.

"Nikaya, is this a conversation you can share with the rest of the class?"  (Adele)

"Sorry Mrs. Jordan."  (Nikaya)

"As I said a few minutes ago, we will have a couple of guest speakers this month.  Our first guest speaker is here today.  She currently lives in Senegal, Africa, and she is here today to talk about some of the prominent Kings and Queens of Africa."  (Adele)

As Adele is speaking, the guest speaker quietly enters the room and makes her way up front.  The kids don't even realize she is there, until she gets to the front.

"Welcome Ms. Aminata.  We are so honored to have you with us today.  We are anxious to learn more about you and the history of our African Kings and Queens."  (Adele)

"Thank you so much for having me."  (Ms. Aminata)

The kids listen intently to Ms. Aminata.  Her accent is like none they have heard before.

"Hello class.  It is an honor for me to come before you today.  I love talking with kids about African history."  (Ms. Aminata)

The class appears to be captivated by Ms. Aminata.  The time flies as Ms. Aminata passionately talks to the kids. The kids have plenty of questions, and seem to be surprised by much of the information being shared with them.  Even after Ms. Aminata leaves, the kids are still full of questions for Adele.

Epilogue:

Ms. Aminata (not her given name) was a gift from Paulette Richards, the author of the blog, limbe dolls.  Paulette is currently in Senegal teaching American and African American literature, on a Fulbright fellowship.  We miss you Paulette.

A few of the girls wanted to show off their outfits.

Here's Jo wearing the school uniform I purchased a couple years ago.  She's wearing Only Heart girl shoes.

Janet is wearing an outfit I found at a doll show several years ago.  I'm not sure the origin.  She's also wearing Only Heart shoes.

Finally, Nikaya is wearing a new outfit and Only Heart shoes.

Here is the origin of the Nikaya outfit.  Someone is going to look really cute in that dress.