In honor of National Black History Month, we’ve rounded up Scholastic Classroom Magazines articles where kids can read about important moments from the perspective of young people and learn how their peers have made a difference.
Scholastic News® Edition 1 (February 2019)
First-graders can read about Ruby Bridges. In 1960, Ruby became the first African-American child to integrate an all-white elementary school. Ruby was only in first grade but she was still subject to protests and had to be escorted to school by guards. This article is accompanied by a writing activity for students to share how they are brave in their own lives.
Storyworks® Jr. (February 2019)
Third-graders can participate in a historical fiction play about Ayanna Najuma. In 1958, seven-year-old Ayanna joined many other kids her age and older in the Oklahoma City sit-ins to protest segregation. Ayanna and her friends continued participating in sit-ins around Oklahoma City for six years, and finally in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, making segregation illegal. This article is paired with activity sheets to help kids identify important character traits and explain the theme of the story.
Choices® (January 2019)
Students in grades 7–12 can learn about Chicago high school student Rahmier Williams who is a member of the Peace Warriors, a group of high school activists who are changing their community by teaching others how to resolve conflict and live nonviolently based upon principles exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr. Rahmier’s life, like many other students in his community, has been touched by violence in more ways than one. As a Peace Warrior, Rahmier leads peer mediations and has trained almost 1,000 kids and adults in Chicago on how to live nonviolently. You can check out this amazing video about the Peace Warriors below:
For more information about engaging content from Scholastic Classroom Magazines that sparks curiosity, inspires empathy and ignites a passion for learning, visit http://www.scholastic.com/classmags.
