First Grade Changemakers

Teachers and students in all grades will tell you: The more you write, the better you become as a reader; and the more you read, the better you become as a writer. As Jenny Crego, our first-grade teacher explains, “This essential practice paired with rich literature also helps to deepen our own character. Modeling and exploring what it means to be compassionate, kind, empathetic and fair helps us see how we can advocate for ourselves and others.” 

That belief was the impetus for first graders to begin to engage in the tough and necessary conversations about racism through their literacy curriculum. In a guided discussion, students shared what they know about the word “racism.” Following the discussion, their teacher read them the book “A Kids Book About Racism” by Jelani Memory. Jenny then asked the students to take out their Reader's Notebook and share what they were thinking, feeling, or wondering. The words and art that they expressed are a sign of hope for our future. Here are some of the students’ own reflections about racism.

"Some white people compare their skin color to others who have darker skin and think they are better. That's not true. I don't know if you can see but I have darker skin color, it's not white." 

"Racism has been happening in the USA for a while." 

"Black people and white people are fighting because black people want to be treated the same. I have a black lives matter sign in my window at home." 

Student: "This is what I know about racism. I know Rosa Parks sat in the front of the bus. She wasn't allowed to but she did it. And she went to jail for it." 
Teacher: "How do you think she felt?"
Student: "I think she felt strong to do that because she did it even knowing she would get into trouble. She wanted things to change." 

At PJA, we are committed to working towards an anti-racist curriculum and school culture. To read more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion work, see Merrill Hendin’s Blog post from January 30, 2020.