Women’s history month is an incredible opportunity to highlight the brilliance of female intellect, ingenuity, and innovation. Women are trailblazers. Herstory is an integral part of our world. Seeing, sharing, and celebrating the stories of joy and suffering is important in helping students connect the pieces of a very nuanced and elaborate puzzle. Students, regardless of gender identification, can see themselves reflected in these stories. Students can be inspired by these stories. Students can be empowered by these stories.
Although women’s history month is in March, their contributions should be shared all year long, weaved into the foundational fabric of our curriculum. Here are six suggestions for doing just that:
- Stories across the school – Have students interview different women at the school and share their stories and a picture.
- Podcasts – Podcasts are great way to listen and learn new information. Podcasts are also great for sharing information. Students in your class can listen to podcasts like “Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls” Podcast to learn about some amazing females from past and present. I created a one page podcast response sheet that you can download HERE for free. ____
After listening to a few podcasts, you can have your students create a podcast of their own to share with the school. Using a FREE platform like Anchor.fm is a great way to get started. Students can create a podcast that includes information about important and influential people to align with different heritage and highlight months. Teachers can use the student created podcasts in their classroom
- Book clubs with female authors – Students of all ages can engage in book clubs. During book club time students learn to view a text with a critical lens. They also learn to discuss a variety of topics with peers who likely hold different perspectives on the book because they are reading it through a different cultural lens. During Women’s History Month, choose books and short stories written by female authors. As a bonus you may be able to get a virtual or in-person author visit. For some book recommendations, check out my Bookshop.org site and the National Education Association website
- Guest speakers – Bring in female guest speakers that represent different industries. Put particular emphasis on underrepresented industries and local voices. Start by reaching out to the caregiver community, then approach local businesses and outreach organizations, finally consider places of worship and the alumnae chapters of sororities. Remember that every learning opportunity can provide a window, mirror, or sliding glass door experience for your students.
- Interactive bulletin boards – Creating interactive bulletin boards in your classroom or the hallways is a great way to fully utilize the learning real estate and maximize the learning experience. Early finishers can engage with the board, but also students who need a focus break can wander over to the board. There are so many great Women’s History month bulletin board ideas in the minds of your students waiting to be discovered. Start by asking them to come up with ideas. Have them visit Pinterest for inspiration. Encourage them to ask their caregiver for some cool ideas to add to a classroom bulletin board.
- Interview a woman in your community – Have students complete an unsung heroes project. They would begin by interviewing a woman in their community. This woman could be a relative or family friend, church/synagogue/mosque member, bus driver, etc. Remind the students everyone’s story matters. You should never assume someone doesn’t have anything to say when you have never asked them. Allow the students to record and present the interviews in a variety of ways. Let their creativity shine. The students might even host an unsung heroes luncheon and invite the community to hear the stories.
My goal is to always inspire you to center joy as you engage your students in meaning learning. I hope that these six ideas will reinvigorate your women’s history month celebration this year.
Is this the type of classroom you always dreamed of having? If so, you’re in good company. Let’s create this reality together. Check out the many on demand courses, teaching resources, and coaching options available:
