I love this post and you are exactly right- young people need these conversations! I recently read "I Am Every Good Thing" by Derrick Barnes and Gordon James to a group of 3rd graders. I asked them to respond to the book in a council format. One girl shared a story about how she was the only black girl in her class and how that made her feel. Her parents told her to remember she was a beautiful black girl and to be proud. After each child shared, I asked student to engage in a witness round, where they say something they heard someone else say. Four other third graders said "Beautiful black girl." We ended our time together repeating the last lines of the book: "I am worthy to be loved." What a beautiful morning in Los Angeles.
I was inspired by this. Sadly, that is one of the books under attack by DeSantis in Florida. The children are not the problem. It is the "adults in the room" who hold majorities in too many states. God love the principal of this school. Also, from out of the mouths of babes. Unless they are programmed wrongly, as they were in the South of my youth, they have a wonderful ability to champion fairness, as did my students at the school at which I was teaching when Florida public schools were finally compelled to integrate. Our principal was a champion of acceptance when it came, which made an enormous difference. That was in 1968. How sad we now have such a retrograde governor, state board of education, and legislature. One would have to be a teacher in Florida to truly understand what the governor is doing, and how devastating its effect on Florida educators and students is.
This is amazing on many fronts- the sequence of events, the retelling and most of all the content. Thank you for being there to stir their curiosity and respond to their questions with authenticity.
Julie, you continue to inspire and to show how every little step we take is an act of defiance and hope. The kids were listening. That’s tremendous. Saluting your spirit!
You shared a beautiful experience that everyone should have. After reading to children in kindergarten to 3rd grade, I felt enriched with their unencumbered questions…and especially their answers to my questions.
Goosebumps and tears! What a good reminder that people are born loving and are taught to hate. I love that these little kiddos asked so many questions. Fills my heart with hope!
Julie, this is so beautiful. I love this story. I have tears in my eyes. I hope you get to speak to even more groups of kids. I know how terrific you are.
Thank you. I love the conversation you had (maybe not all the things that had to be said, but they were true). - I am the same age as Ruby Bridges, and this was part of the conversation I had with my granddaughter and son. What she had to go through, and I didn’t ...
I love this post and you are exactly right- young people need these conversations! I recently read "I Am Every Good Thing" by Derrick Barnes and Gordon James to a group of 3rd graders. I asked them to respond to the book in a council format. One girl shared a story about how she was the only black girl in her class and how that made her feel. Her parents told her to remember she was a beautiful black girl and to be proud. After each child shared, I asked student to engage in a witness round, where they say something they heard someone else say. Four other third graders said "Beautiful black girl." We ended our time together repeating the last lines of the book: "I am worthy to be loved." What a beautiful morning in Los Angeles.
oh my goodness I love this Marina. thanks for sharing.
I was inspired by this. Sadly, that is one of the books under attack by DeSantis in Florida. The children are not the problem. It is the "adults in the room" who hold majorities in too many states. God love the principal of this school. Also, from out of the mouths of babes. Unless they are programmed wrongly, as they were in the South of my youth, they have a wonderful ability to champion fairness, as did my students at the school at which I was teaching when Florida public schools were finally compelled to integrate. Our principal was a champion of acceptance when it came, which made an enormous difference. That was in 1968. How sad we now have such a retrograde governor, state board of education, and legislature. One would have to be a teacher in Florida to truly understand what the governor is doing, and how devastating its effect on Florida educators and students is.
exactly. so sorry and sad for what DeSantis is wreaking in Florida!
Beautifully written - bravo, Julie!
Am fowarding…
thanks Gwen, glad you liked it
Julie - thank you for the beautiful and inspiring story that brought tears to my eyes.
really appreciate that response Renee - have a great day!
This is amazing on many fronts- the sequence of events, the retelling and most of all the content. Thank you for being there to stir their curiosity and respond to their questions with authenticity.
i appreciate your insight here Bedria 🤩
Hi Julie, As always, your words and actions inspire me. Thank you for this gift.
Such a kind thing to say, Kim. My hand is on my heart with gratitude!
Children are wise and honest, always!
Listen to the children!!
you know it, Susan!
Julie, you continue to inspire and to show how every little step we take is an act of defiance and hope. The kids were listening. That’s tremendous. Saluting your spirit!
"an act of defiance and hope" - i LOVE it. thanks Nina.
This made me tear up! What a gift.
Thanks for going there with me Kay
You shared a beautiful experience that everyone should have. After reading to children in kindergarten to 3rd grade, I felt enriched with their unencumbered questions…and especially their answers to my questions.
"unencumbered questions" - YES that's it!
Goosebumps and tears! What a good reminder that people are born loving and are taught to hate. I love that these little kiddos asked so many questions. Fills my heart with hope!
thanks for going there with me KMR
Julie, this is so beautiful. I love this story. I have tears in my eyes. I hope you get to speak to even more groups of kids. I know how terrific you are.
thanks so much Cynthia
Thank you. I love the conversation you had (maybe not all the things that had to be said, but they were true). - I am the same age as Ruby Bridges, and this was part of the conversation I had with my granddaughter and son. What she had to go through, and I didn’t ...
aw yea Cathy. i love your compassion.
This made me cry. It’s beautiful and so necessary .....STILL.......”children are our future”
STILL. yes. thanks for reading it.
Oh Julie, I love love love this. Thank you 😌 You are the light shining through the crack today.
i'm glad you saw this as light and that it was useful to you today!
I just love this story, Julie, and thank you so much for taking the time to give us this light and these details.
thanks Kelly <3