Let Special Songs Continue to Tell Important Stories


Hello Friends...

I hope this revised post finds you thinking of ways that we as educators can continue to advocate for respect, equality, and justice for all.  It was written in honor of the diverse groups of children I have taught over the years, and continues to be timely. 

It includes lyrics and video clips for the musical anthems that have provided the uplifting soundtrack to my own life, and will hopefully inspire theirs through the school months and beyond.

It also includes a free resource that I hope will help you initiate important discussions based on the important beliefs expressed in the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


LET SPECIAL SONGS TELL 
IMPORTANT STORIES

Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.




I've always turned to music to find solace and understanding.  I've always shared that music with my own children, and the children I teach. It is something that I will continue to do in the days ahead.  

May the lyrics of Shed A Little Light by James Taylor help you as well.  I had the privilege of hearing him perform it live this summer at Wrigley field, and was proud to stand and sing along with the stadium full of like-minded fans.

He also performed it at the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C.

I still get goosebumps when I listen to it.

I hope you do too....


SHED A LITTLE LIGHT
Written and Performed by James Taylor
With the Low Country Choir of Charleston, South Carolina


Let us turn our thoughts today
to Martin Luther King
and recognize that there are ties between us,
all men and women living on the Earth.

Ties of hope and love, sister and brotherhood, that we are bound together
in our desire to see the world become a better place in which our children can grow free and strong.
We are bound together by the task that stands before us and the road that lies ahead.
We are bound and we are bound.

There is a feeling like the clenching of a fist, there is a hunger in the center of the chest.
There is a passage through the darkness and the mist
and though the body sleeps 
the heart will never rest.

Shed a little light, so that we can see.
Wanna stand it on up
and walk it on down.

As we head into months that celebrate Martin Luther King and Black History, I am pleased and proud to offer this "forever freebie" for use in your classroom.

It was designed to extend my unit study of picture books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but can be used along with any story that teaches lessons about diversity, unity, kindness, community, and respect for others. 

TEACHING DIVERSITY AND KINDNESS WITH PICTURE BOOKS


Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.



Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.

Click HERE to download!

You might also enjoy using this other FREEBIE to promote
kindness in your classroom!

Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.


Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.



As always, thank you for allowing me to share my story here.  Continue to hold a song in your heart. I am currently holding this one in mine. 

I used to play it on my guitar and share the lyrics written long ago by folk icon Pete Seeger at least once a week with my second graders.  May the message resonate today and help us honor and respect diversity always.

This land is your land,
this land is my land.
From California to the New York island.
From the redwood forest to the Gulf stream waters.
This land was made for you and me....


THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND
Written by Pete Seeger
Performed with Bruce Springsteen at the Lincoln Memorial


Enjoy these Teacher's Pay Teachers resources designed to support classroom lessons promoting unity, tolerance, diversity, respect, kindness, and community.
PIN FOR LATER

Don't miss these FOREVER FREE classroom community resources 
from some of my best blogger buddies!


Continue to advocate for and teach your children well!




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