February is Black History Month in Canada and the US, also known as African American History month. It is honored in Great Britain in October. The theme in the US for 2012 is Black Women in American Culture & History, and provides a catalyst for various Montessori classroom activities for all ages. Montessori educators can begin to prepare activities across all subject areas, including cultural and physical geography, history, language arts, art, and more.
NAMC articles provide helpful background information for this occasion, and subsequent links are provided to give you additional selections for topical studies that your Montessori students may choose to delve into, depending on their particular area of interest. As February gets underway, more online information may be available, so be sure to research your own particular area of interest.
2012 Theme, USA: Black Women in American Culture and History for Montessori Studies
Throughout your activities, incorporate lessons in alignment with Montessori Cosmic Education and Peace education: conflict resolution, community service, character education, grace and courtesy, etc. Strive to inspire your young students to believe in their own ability to make significant social contributions in their own lives.
Montessori Curriculum Integration Tips for Black History Month and Women's History Month
- Choose age-appropriate literature written by Black women and engage your students in reading and comprehension activities.
- Identify women who have had significant accomplishments toward your country’s culture and explore their lives and stories.
- Study art by Black women and discuss with your students the artists’ history and particular style of artistic expression. Alternatively or additionally, study Black women in the performing arts (music, dance, film, etc.), both today and throughout your country’s history.
- Learn about Black women who have made significant contributions to civil rights and/or within the political realm of your state/country.
- Discuss with your students their own ideas for peace and harmony within the constructs of family, friends, community, country and the world. Ask them to express their ideas and visions of peace through their own artistic and literary creations.
Remember to search the NAMC blog site for other articles that may provide you with further activity ideas related to character education, conflict resolution, etc. It may also be helpful to keep in mind that March is Women’s History Month.
Studies begun in February around the Black History Month women’s theme may serve as a springboard to further studies in women in leadership and peace studies.
Helpful Links:
As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Friday, January 20, 2012.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Friday, January 20, 2012.
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