A Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum
At Winston-Salem Montessori School we integrate black history throughout the entire school year. During Black History Month, we center Black voices in a variety of ways throughout all levels.
The Toddler Program
In the Toddler Program, we discuss and show pictures of black innovators, scientists, politicians, artists, and athletes. We read a variety of books and listen to a variety of music. Some books include
"I look up to Michelle Obama" by Anna Membrino and Fatti Burke
"Charlie Parker Played Be Bop" by Chris Raschka
"The Story of Rosa Parks" by Patricia A. Pingry
"The Story of Martin Luther King Jr." by Johnny Ray Moore.
Ms. Nice reading "My Hair is Beautiful" by Shauntay Grant.
Ms. Leila discussing George Washington Carver.
Ms. Chelsea Fabyanski introduced Ella Jenkins, an American folk singer who wrote many children's songs. They listened to Dulce Dulce, Miss Mary Mack and You'll Sing a Song and I'll sing a song. They also listen to, "This Little of Mine", and the chant "Martin Luther King was a real good man,” the music of Ella Jenkins, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong.
The Children’s House Program
"Maria Montessori didn't become a world-renowned educator because she was trying to improve education; rather, she became the leader of this field because she was trying to improve the world.
A vital part of this is instilling values that will lead children to become fierce advocates for equality, fairness, and anti-racism.
It's common to wonder how to start this journey with young children. How do we approach these difficult, and often uncomfortable, topics in a way that is accurate, respectful, and developmentally appropriate?
Children aged 3-6 love stories, and so one of the first places I turn to in the classroom is the bookshelf." - Virginia Sparkes, Lead Children’s House 1 Guide.
Students are using a book to find things in Jacob Lawrence's paintings. They are pointing to the people dancing!
"We have told the story of Mae Jemison, the first female African-American astronaut. We have also dived into the famous artwork of Jacob Lawrence and seen how he tells stories through his paintings. We will be exploring the beautiful poetry of Maya Angelou and learning about her life, as well as enjoying the fantastic musical talent of Louis Armstrong,” said Virginia Sparkes, Lead Children’s House 1 Guide.
Students researching Mae Jemison, the first female African-American astronaut.
"One really fun thing all the children like to do is put our hands in a circle and try to explain what color we are." - Lauren Seger, Lead Children’s House 2 Guide.
"In Children's House, we offer keys to the bigger picture. I recently was introduced to a switch in the way we talk about racism that I feel is important.
When we started to read about Ruby Bridges, I prefaced it with some open discussion about her story. I explained to the children that people in the government made unfair rules for people they didn't like because they were different. I shied away from the phrasing "because they/she/he was black." Example- Instead of saying- "They didn't want Ruby to go to the same school as the other children because she was black.", I said, "people made rules that weren't fair or kind for children with black and brown skin, like Ruby."
As these children grow, they will delve into the Civil Rights movement and what that meant. For now, I offer some truth in a way they can understand,” said Amanda Langbehn, Lead Children’s House 3 Guide.
"All year long the children have been reading stories that show children appreciation and respect for diversity. We want all the children to feel included. Since February is Black History month we have been reading and learning about black people and their contributions to our society and our country's history. We have been reading cards and books representing African Americans. Not only for Black History month, but all year long.
I read to the children a book about Martin Luther King and another one about Rosa Parks. Some of the children's reaction to discrimination because of the color of our skin was:
5 year old "There are white friends and black too in our class and I like to play with everyone. I just want everyone to be happy."
4 year old "My family likes all the colors, we like black, blue, all the colors." 5 year old: "I like playing with everyone,” said Maria Selles and Stefania Bedin, Children’s House 6 Guides.
Lower Elementary
“In Lower Elementary, the students learn about the Fundamental Needs for a quality life. They learn about the beautiful variety of cultures in the world. To incorporate education on social inequities, their Guides tell them how people are prevented access to their fundamental needs. This approach centers on the dignity and beauty of the human experience while acknowledging systemic issues,” said Shama Doshi, Lead Lower Elementary Guide.
Students in Lower Elementary made art inspired by Aaron Douglas. They are deeply proud of this work.
Upper Elementary
Students in Upper Elementary created a timeline which wrapped around the entire class. It started in the 1700's and ended in 2023. Students presented their research on important people in history who are black and created a visual a timeline of U.S history.
"Dr. Thomas F. Hopkins became the first African-American laboratory investigator, whose work lead to the development of the first female oral contraceptive and he is my great, great Grandfather,” said an Upper Elementary student.
Adolescent Program
"In the Adolescent Program we study Humanities (history, social studies, civics, economics, religion, etc.) in a three-year cycle. Our yearlong themes are Early US Nationhood, Great Cities of the World, and Peace & Conflict. These studies provide extensive opportunities to examine and celebrate the role of Black Americans in our collective history far beyond the month of February. Past major units of study have included the trans- Atlantic chattel slave trade, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement. In addition to learning about past injustices, we celebrate the resistance and resilience of the Black community throughout history. Lessons and research projects have included voter disenfranchisement, the Haitian Revolution and its impact on early America, Historically Black Colleges & Universities, and notable Black Americans including poets, scientists, and government leaders. We are fortunate to travel each year for field research and have visited sites such as St. Philips Moravian Church in Old Salem, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, the King Memorial in Washington DC, and several Civil War battlefields such as Gettysburg and Antietam. We strive to provide opportunities for all students to learn from the hard lessons of the past and empower them to help create a more just, equitable and inclusive future," said Sally Meehan, Adolescent Program.