Gratitude: Activism Empowering Preschoolers

 As I self-reflect on all the events going on in the United States of America, I am truly experiencing Black Fatigue (book written by Mary-Frances Winters).  But I continue my equity work on the topic of strategies to reduce/eliminate the suspension/expulsion of African American preschoolers so as educators we must instill in children to be actively involved in social change.  Yes, this is the way for our children will grow into being engaged citizens for what’s right for all human beings. 

Activism is an action to make a change, or stop a change, in society. Therefore, prior to starting the gratitude activism empowering preschoolers educators must engage children in conversations to gain a better understanding, “why” all should be an activist and the “how” through various ways of actions.  Here are three books which can be read and discussed with children and if you have other books add in the comments section to broaden readers knowledge toward application.

1.     A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara (ages 3 to 7)

2.     The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers (ages 5 to 9)

3.     A is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World by Eva Chen ages 0 to 3)

One way for children to conduct an act of activism which reinforces emotional and social skills are to make every child feel they belong to the community classroom of learners.  Each child’s name will be written on a sheet of poster board by educators and/or children themselves, children along with educators will write/draw on post it notes positive qualities of each classroom community member.  NOTE:  Educators will need to monitor child’s board ensuring every child has positive actions and/or statements displayed.  Here’s an example displayed in community classroom. 

Remember, when children see, hear and picture read positive words on the post it notes it will boost their self-esteem, self-worth and motivate them to continue exhibiting those actions for intrinsic and extrinsic rewards as a primary purpose of “activism” with young children.  Yes, young children are activists, too.

Knowledge is powerful towards being an agent of social change. #drbkw #drbkwec