Help me give my students a collection of books set in various African countries to ensure they don't have a single story of the continent.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Heather's classroom raised $637
This project is fully funded
My Students
Inquiry and equity are at the heart of how our students learn, grow, and thrive. Our students go to a school where they can drive their learning, ask big questions, and take risks. Our school is diverse by design with families from all over San Francisco, and we are intentionally practicing equity in all we do. Finally, we take a personalized approach to ensure all students thrive in school and beyond.
Our 6th grade class consists of 56 students who are open-minded, supportive, and courageous.
My Project
One of the primary goals of teaching social studies in 6th grade is helping students to see and consider multiple perspectives. This is especially challenging when we study the continent of Africa.
By donating to the project, you will help my students see that Africa is not a single place.
The continent is made up of 54 countries, each with their own history and culture. Africa is much more than pyramids, slavery, and colonialism, and incorporating deeper study of the continent has many benefits for students. Teaching about African history, politics, and culture supports our students’ developing identities as global citizens.
Making sure that my students acquire knowledge of the rich diversity of the vast continent of Africa is the foundation for the questions they can then begin to ask and answer in their study. Chimamanda Adichie explains in her TED Talk, that I use to frame the issue with the students, how dangerous it is to have only a single story about a place or a people. Adichie believes that when we have a single story about a group of people or place, there is no possibility of feelings more complex than pity, no possibility of a connection as human equals.
When students come to know multiple stories, they bring a baseline understanding of empathy and perspective taking, looking for commonalities and humanity in others. Humanizing and celebrating the continent of Africa also empowers students to recognize and call out stereotypes held about the continent.
Picture books are a way to bring stories of Africa’s diversity alive for my students. Picture books are an excellent, uncomplicated way for me to build background knowledge about specific African countries through read-alouds and independent reading. The power of picture books in the classroom is that they add accessibility and enjoyment to learning.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Heather and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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