First Graders Celebrate Black History Month
by Mrs. Cathy Hoffart
February 27, 2010
The month of February is not only the shortest month of the year but is also celebrated as Black History Month. First graders in Mrs. Hoffart's class have been studying famous African Americans as well as the history that they have in the United States. We have learned that slavery is a big part of Black History but it doesn't tell the whole story. Many African Americans fought to free slaves, gain civil rights, and carry their culture and heritage into the future - including our new President, Barak Obama. We read a wonderful story called, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by, Deborah Hopkinson. In this story, a young slave girl becomes a seamstress and decides to make a quilt that will lead slaves to freedom in Canada. Then, we discussed what freedom means to us - something that we are free to experience either now or in the future.
Freedom is going on a trip. Lindsey A.
Freedom is playing PS3. Samuel N.
Freedom is going to the swimming pool. Aileen S.
Freedom is going to college. Jack H.
Freedom is playing video games. Zach B.
Freedom is football. Zachary J.
Freedom is going to school. Katie V.
Freedom is being nice to other people. Maddie M.
Freedom is playing video games. Justin E.
Freedom is letting brown kids and white kids go to the same school. Rachel B.
Freedom is playing video games. Tyten V.
Freedom is watching TV. Stephanie P.
Freedom is playing football. Jeremiah C.
Freedom is planting crops. Mitchell F.
Then we made a "Freedom Quilt" with colorful quilt squares, our writing, and pictures. All of the first graders agree that we are glad to have the freedoms we have!
