There is a great post every month on the school library listserv LM_Net that I would like to feature, the designated celebrations and observances for the month. This is a great way to incorporate books, reading material, multi-media and movies into your classroom, home, or daily schedule. Look for a way to incorporate the different types of resources. As a parent, I have enjoyed my son's US History teacher's extra credit movie choices. For instance, while studying the Great Depression students could watch Cinderella Man, The Grapes of Wrath and Bonnie and Clyde, then complete specified journal entries for extra credit. Watching the movies as a family generated great discussion, including examining the time period from a variety of experiences and perspectives and looking at current social programs in the United States and the push for more. Relating the currect issues to history created a depth of understanding (in the adults and kid!) that had me wishing I were lucky enough to have had such a great teacher. Please feel free to add your recommendations in commenting on the blog!
Black History Month (or African-American History month)
The Long Walk to Freedom the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. A great companion movie to this is Invictus starrying Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. The poem "Invictus" by Ernest Henley is included in both the book and the movie, so this is a 3 for 1 recommendation. I know that this doesn't follow the African-American theme, but I believe all 3 are thought provoking.
Use this opportunity to look at the AP 101 recommended books for the college bound. Find the black authors on the list and knock one or two of the books of your list this month.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Native Son by Richard Wright
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd was also made into a movie, starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Hudson. For those of you in the SE of Michigan, the story will be feature in an American Place Theater presenation at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, March 22nd.
