Bringing Important Black History Leaders to Life in Your Classroom PODCAST INTERVIEW with the Honest Math Chat Podcast by Mona Math.
Exciting News!!! I was asked to be a special guest on Mona Math's podcast show.
WHO IS MONA MATH?
Mona Iehl helps elementary teachers develop a classroom where everyone will love & understand math (even if you believe you’re not a “math person”). Her podcast is called the “Honest Math Chat Podcast”. You can check it out here: https://honestmathchat.libsyn.com/site
Click the red play button below and start listening.
SHOW NOTES by the Honest Math Chat Podcast:
Bringing important Black History Leaders to life in your classroom during Black History Month and beyond is essential to developing a classroom community. By introducing your students to important black history leaders you'll help them see themselves in the classroom. As Desiree says, you'll help them see what is possible… even in the difficult times!
In this episode we will honestly chat about:
- What Black History Month can mean to your students
- How to plan a memorable event– like a skit
- The first step to take to develop ideas about a Black History Month event
Building a classroom community is essential to helping ALL your students feel a sense of belonging. Learn more ways to develop your classroom community at monamath.com/community monamath.com/ebook monamath.com/discussion to grab your free guide.
Fun fact!! I live in Chicago, right next to the train. You'll hear it a few times in the recording 
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
www.desireemcgeegreene.com/read (BLOG)
www.desireemcgeegreene.com/ideas (Free Black History Planning Guide!)
MonaMath Black History Resources
Find Desiree on Facebook @blackhistoryallstarskits
Let’s Connect on Instagram @HelloMonaMath I LOVE chatting with listeners. Send me a DM and let me know you’re listening.
Looking for a community of like minded math educators? Join The Math Teacher Collaborative Facebook Group!
Why is celebrating Black History Month so important?
First, it is important because it gives black people an understanding of where we have been, which then allows us to see that we can do almost anything we need to do or desire to do, if we follow the examples of those who paved the way for us to have much better lives than they experienced.
Second, it is important that every group of people understands the innumerable contributions we have made to create and sustain our great country.
Lastly, it is important because it gives hope to not only Americans, but also people from all over the world, that you may be in the lowest position of society and still turn tragedy into your mental, physical and financial victory!
Pull out special character traits or themes that you want your students or children to remember all year.
There are so many special themes, character traits etc. that you can pull out and teach at different levels and connect to a Black History hero such as kindness, self-control, caring or showing empathy. There are fun crafts and art projects that young kids will love. Fun songs and poems they can learn. Incredible read alouds and family read-in nights is another way to make Black History Month even more memorable for kids.
As you move up grade levels, students can be more involved in the teaching of Black History to their peers. Book clubs, science projects, student interviews, make a movie, do a skit performance, character dress up day and letter writing. The sky is the limit.
What are you planning for Black History Month this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Together, we can make your celebration one that your children, families, or community will remember for years to come.
