What is BLM at School?
“Black Lives Matter at School, a national coalition of educators organizing for racial justice in schools, organizes a ‘Week of Action’ in schools each February,” (Zinn Education Project).
When: February 1-5
Why: Similar to a Spirit Week, this is an Awareness Week. Teachers have been working so hard this year to have courageous conversations with students and each other about social justice issues. This week is to have a focus on certain topics and issues that fall within the the broad scope of what we are working towards.
This will look different in each grade level. The discussions, activities, lessons, videos, and so on, will vary from grade to grade. It is up to teachers whether to use the following suggestions for each day as Open Circle or Closing Circle activities or to incorporate full lessons throughout the week.
During CPT, please review the suggestions and develop a plan for your class/grade level.
Goals
The goals of BLM at School are the following:
Obviously, some of these topics may be more appropriate in certain grade levels. That is why any of the suggestions can be used any day of the week. We are also not suggesting that these topics MUST be done. This is just a way to bring about awareness. We already know educators are working hard to incorporate discussions and lessons into the classroom on this topic.
As educators, we can use our voice, such as through social media and conversations with other adults, about the goals listed above. For example, using #BLMatBTU and #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool and posting activities, pictures, and more - email to photos@btu.org. This is really about bringing awareness not only within the school, but outside of school.
Upload pictures of work to the JFK shared folder to be posted onto the website!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CanpZ4DGQikvTixLGjtd_wpqTXvJoUPZ
BLM at School T-Shirts
The BLM at BTU have designed t-shirts that can be purchased by teachers and students. The amount is in limited supply, and by no means are necessary! If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt, please click here. The t-shirts are $10 each and range from size small to XXL.
Need for More Counselors in Schools
Sign up for a time for Ms. Weisman to talk to your class or grade-level team about what counselors do and why more are needed in BPS.
Ethnic Studies
Songs For Early Childhood and Early Elementary
(bottom of page has links to songs - have discussions after)
Daily Did You Know?
Black Lives Matter
Principles of Black Lives Matter
Link (chart)
Choose one of the principles and have an open discussion.
Link to presentation
Daily Did You Know?
Need for More Counselors in Schools
K-2 Choose one or more social emotional learning activities to use with your class.
Black Lives Matter
What Do You Do With a Voice Like That
Read aloud
LINK - read aloud
LINK - lesson
Daily Did You Know?
Need for More Counselors in Schools
3-5 Choose one or more social emotional learning activities to use with your class.
Daily Did You Know?
Have students budget out new ways to spend the $4 mil. BPS spends on cops. (Upper Elementary)
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter
Students could create a poster or sign for one of the principles.
Daily Did You Know?
Need for More Counselors in Schools
Sign up for a time for Ms. Weisman to talk to your class or grade-level team about what counselors do and why more are needed in BPS.