As we head into November, please be thoughtful of the narrative we present to our children about Thanksgiving. As we consider the narrative, it is an opportune time to reflect on from whose perspective the story is being told? What other perspectives might exist or might not be told? And what stereotypes are being reinforced by the instruction and stories we share? As we consider the implications of our practices, words, actions, and language, please refrain from reinforcing ideas that portray a single story. By doing so, we help our students reexamine history, practice empathy, and use their critical thinking skills to engage in understanding all the perspectives of our history.
Here are some resources that may be helpful:
Teaching Tolerance: Teaching Thanksgiving in a Socially Responsible Way
EducationWorld.Com - Teach the Real Story of the First Thanksgiving
Have a wonderful 3-day weekend!
Your proud principal,
Rebecca Ngo
P.S. - In case you missed our last Coffee with the Principal on California Common Core State Standards. Check out the slide linked in the image below and link for parent resources.
