Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond has spent her career advocating for policies that ensure all children—especially Black and Brown students—have access to high-quality teachers and schools. Her research and leadership have shaped education policies impacting classrooms today.

✊🏾 Call to Action: Get involved in local school boards and policy discussions to push for equitable education for all children. Our voices matter! #EducationIsPower #EquityInEducation

Just like the flowers and trees that begin to bloom in spring, our talented and beautiful black children go through incredible growth and development. During the early years, their minds are flourishing, just as nature awakens in the springtime.

What’s happening during this growth season?

• Curiosity blooms: Children’s natural curiosity is like new shoots reaching for the sun! They ask questions, explore, and discover new things every day.

• Social skills sprout: As they interact with others, they begin forming friendships and learning empathy, like branches stretching out to connect with others.

• Emotional growth: Just as plants need sunlight to thrive, kids need love and support to grow emotionally, learning how to express and understand their feelings.

• Physical development: From running and jumping to fine motor skills like writing or drawing, their physical abilities are growing quickly, just like plants reaching toward the sky.
  

Black children deserve to see themselves as heroes, leaders, and dreamers in the books they read! This Black Children’s Book Week, let’s fill our classrooms with stories that empower, inspire, and reflect the brilliance of Black children.

✅ Read Aloud – Choose books with Black protagonists that spark joy and imagination.

✅ Author Spotlights – Highlight Black children's book authors and illustrators.

✅ Creative Activities – Let students write their own stories or create artwork inspired by their favorite books.

✅ Representation Matters – Build an inclusive classroom library that reflects ALL students.

Tag your favorite Black children's book authors below and share how you’re celebrating! Let’s make sure every child sees themselves in the pages of a book. 📖💛

During Black History Month, let's nurture self-love and pride in our young black children by connecting them to the rich legacy of black excellence. 💫 By teaching them to love themselves, we’re helping them build a foundation of confidence and strength that will carry them throughout their lives. Here are 3 classroom activities to inspire self-love and cultural pride:

1. Black History Heroes Collage: Have students create a collage of Black heroes—past and present—that inspires them. They can cut out images from magazines or draw their heroes and write a short sentence about why they admire them.

2. Affirmation Circle: Start each day with a circle where students share positive affirmations about themselves. "I am smart, I am strong, I am proud of who I am"—helping them build confidence and connect self-love to their heritage.

3. Self-Portrait with a Legacy: Ask students to draw a self-portrait and incorporate symbols of…

Winter months can be challenging, but YOU have the power to shine through the cold! Here are some ways to keep your spirits high and energy flowing in and out of the classroom:

💡 Brighten Your Space: Add warm lighting, colorful décor, or student artwork to create a cozy, uplifting environment. A cheerful space can boost your mood and your students, too!

🚶‍♀️ Move Your Body: Take quick movement breaks during the day. Whether it's stretching, a brisk walk, or a 5-minute dance party with your students, staying active can work wonders for your energy.

📝 Practice Gratitude: Start a daily or weekly gratitude journal. Reflecting on small wins and joyful moments can shift your focus to positivity.

🎨 Engage in Creativity: Incorporate fun, hands-on activities into your lessons to bring excitement into your classroom and break up the routine.

The start of a new year is an exciting time for growth and learning! Helping young children set and achieve goals at home and school, teaches them important skills like responsibility, patience, and confidence. Plus, it’s fun! 🎉

Here are specific examples and ideas to make goal-setting meaningful for children.

For Families:

1️⃣ Reflect Together: Gather as a family and talk about the past year. Share what made everyone proud. What did you learn as a family? Celebrate! 🎉

2️⃣ Share Dreams: Encourage everyone to share their personal and family goals. Whether it’s learning a new recipe, reading more books, or planning family outings, every goal matters! 🌈

3️⃣ Create a Family Vision Board: Work together to create a vision board filled with pictures, drawings, and words that reflect your family’s goals. 🖼️

When it comes to toys for young children, let's aim for more than just fun! 🧸✨ Developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive toys:

✅ Encourage learning through play

✅ Support motor, social, and cognitive skills

✅ Reflect your child's identity and celebrate diversity 🌍

Consider dolls with a variety of skin tones, puzzles showcasing diverse families, and books or games that share cultural stories. Representation matters! 🖤💛🤎

Let’s teach our little ones to play, learn, and thrive—while seeing themselves and others in their toys! 💕