Open letter from an educator to parents of school age children in Ferguson, Missouri

 

Open letter from an educator to parents of school age children in Ferguson, Missouri

August 18, 2014

Dear Ferguson parents,

Although the school doors may be closed this week in light of the untimely and horrific death of Mike Brown, the teaching and learning moments don’t have to halt while your children aren’t inside those buildings. There are many moments during the unrest that can be used as teachable moments for your children as they add their voices to the important racial disparity, profiling, and justice conversations taking place in Ferguson and wait for their schools to reopen. Below is a list of eight activities for all school-aged children. These activities are designed to be completed with your child. Change any part of these activities as needed.

1.     Photograph your surroundings. Use your phone and document the events happening in your neighborhood. Describe the photo and write in detail what you see unfolding in each picture. Share with one of your peers.

2.     Interview three of your neighbors. First, write a list of questions about life in Ferguson right now and ask the neighbors you select to answer your questions. Once you have their answers, write down your thoughts about your interviewing experience. Once you have written down your thoughts, share with a reporter or newsperson around you.

3.     Look up the definition of protest. Count the number of people you find who have joined the protests in your neighborhood. How many women are present? How many men are present? How many of your fellow students are present? How many children are present? Once you have your total numbers, make a bar graph to display your results.

4.     Investigate your free speech rights as a peaceful protestor. What does the constitution say? What are your rights? Write down what you have found and share with one of your peers. Next, make a list of how your rights are being protected or violated presently in your neighborhood.

5.     Journal your thoughts on the Mike Brown death. Each day keep a journal of your observations, photos, and thoughts through the day. Your journal can include lists, quotes, thoughts, drawings, etc.

6.     Open a Twitter and/or Facebook account and document what you are seeing in your neighborhood. Engage in the dialogue that is happening by adding your voice to the ongoing conversations.

7.     Create your own protest signs. You can use materials of your choice, but be creative. Always keep in mind the reason you are protesting and write one statement on your sign that sums up your feelings about Ferguson and the unrest happening right now.

8.     Recycle and help to clean your neighborhood after a protest. Separate and carefully gather all recyclable materials –plastics, paper, glass, metals, compost-ables, and batteries. Once you have collected two bags full of recyclables, separate into the appropriate piles and count how many items you have found. Once you have separated and counted, take all items to the nearest recycling bin and recycle them.

The school doors are closed this week, but real teaching and learning happens everywhere and at anytime. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. And remember, teachers and students all around the world stand with you during this time #Justice for Mike Brown. 

“We’re hoping to have greater stability in the community, but we look forward to opening schools as soon as possible” – Ferguson educator on school closings.

Ebony Wilkins

@ebonyjoy

Educator & Author