Rosa Parks: A Legacy of Courage and Change

February is a time to celebrate heroes, and one of the most inspiring figures in history is Rosa Parks. Known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks' bravery and quiet strength changed the course of history and taught us the importance of standing up for equality and justice.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up in the segregated South, Rosa experienced the injustice of racial inequality firsthand. Despite these challenges, she was deeply committed to fighting for fairness and equality.

Her most famous act of courage happened on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. Rosa refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, as was required by law at the time. Her quiet defiance led to her arrest but also ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks continued to advocate for civil rights throughout her life, reminding us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

Rosa Parks had many accomplishments to celebrate.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Her brave stand inspired a year-long bus boycott, which eventually led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

In her Civil Rights Legacy, Rosa Parks worked alongside civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and became a symbol of the fight for justice.

Honors and Awards included Rosa receiving numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Teaching young children about Rosa Parks is a wonderful way to inspire them to think about fairness, bravery, and making a difference. Here are some excellent books to share:

"I Am Rosa Parks" by Brad Meltzer. 

This engaging picture book introduces Rosa Parks’ story in a way that’s relatable and inspiring for young readers.

"Rosa" by Nikki Giovanni

A beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of Rosa’s bravery and the events surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

"Who Was Rosa Parks?" by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Part of the popular "Who Was?" series, this book provides a more detailed look at Rosa Parks' life and legacy.

"The Story of Rosa Parks" by Patricia A. Pingry

Perfect for younger children, this book simplifies Rosa’s story into an easy-to-understand narrative.

Rosa Parks matters today! Rosa Parks’ story is more than just history—it’s a lesson in courage, determination, and the power of standing up for what’s right. By sharing her story with children, we not only honor her legacy but also inspire the next generation to build a more just and equitable world.

To help young learners dive deeper into Rosa Parks' incredible story, I’ve created a Rosa Parks Fact Booklet designed especially for children. This resource includes: Check out my Rosa Parks Fact Booklet to bring her story to life for your young learners this February!

 What’s your favorite way to teach kids about Rosa Parks? 

February 2025 Products

February offers a wonderful opportunity to engage young students through hands-on activities while celebrating various special days. By incorporating these celebrations into your curriculum, you can create a dynamic and effective learning environment. There are many holidays and special days in February, like Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and Groundhog Day. Let’s make February a month filled with joy and learning by adding other special events like celebrating hedgehogs, President’s Day, Rosa Parks, and Kindness Week. 

Get ready to start the month by celebrating hedgehogs on February 2nd. This lesser-known special day provides a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of hedgehogs. Hedgehog Day tends to live in the shadow of Groundhog Day, but it explores the origin of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day originated as Hedgehog Day, based on a Roman myth that if a hedgehog sees its shadow, there will be another six weeks of cold weather. 

Hedgehogs are lovable creatures despite being covered in spines. They are native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and New Zealand. In the US, domesticated African pygmy hedgehogs are kept as pets. There are many fascinating myths and stories about hedgehogs. In ancient Egypt, hedgehogs were used as remedies for baldness. Due to their hibernation, they were a symbol of regeneration. So, you can link this booklet to a study about animals that hibernate during the winter months. 

Rosa Parks was born on the 4th of February 1913 in Alabama, US. Her impact on the Civil Rights Movement is celebrated every year on her birthday. Let inspirational Rosa Parks quotes serve as a reminder to always fight for what’s right, for example,  “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right”, and a quote from her 77th birthday, “I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.” 

Celebrate President's Day, which this year is on Monday, February 17, using a bundle with five engaging resources. The holiday originally marked George Washington’s birthday on February 22, but it is now a day to honor all US presidents.

Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated from February 14 to February 20, with Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17. It is a way to celebrate our small acts that can make a difference, such as playing with someone at break time. The week celebrates kindness and encourages people to spread positivity and kindness worldwide. 

Learning about scientists and what they do is a great project towards the end of the month. Science is based on curiosity, young children are naturally inquisitive. We should take advantage of this curiosity and encourage them to learn about scientists and scientific discoveries as early as possible.

Mardi Gras is celebrated on March 4th, 2025. The date changes each year, and the only certain thing is that it is celebrated on Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. You can start the carnival in your classroom on Monday—Lundi Mardi (lundi means Monday). This is a great way to learn the weeks of the day in French.

Masking is a tradition during Mardi Gras. Masks were first worn to escape society and class constraints, but nowadays, people wear masks during the Carnival because they look great. The fact booklet contains a template for making a Mardi Gras mask. Use the How to Draw resource to boost drawing confidence and integrate “Mardi Gras” themed learning with writing and art.

Wishing you a February of Positivity and Wonderful Learning! 

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National Hugging Day: Embrace the Joy of Connection

"A hug is like a boomerang – you get it back right away"

Every year on January 21, we celebrate National Hugging Day, a heartwarming holiday dedicated to sharing kindness, love, and connection through the simple yet powerful act of hugging. The purpose of this day is to remind us of the emotional and physical benefits of human touch and to encourage meaningful connections in a fast-paced world. Whether with family, friends, or even a beloved pet, a warm hug can brighten someone’s day and spread joy like nothing else.

National Hugging Day was first promoted in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney, who felt that society often overlooked the importance of physical affection and emotional expression. By creating this holiday, he sought to inspire people to embrace one another and foster a culture of caring. Since then, the day has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and connect.

Celebrating National Hugging Day is simple and meaningful. Start by giving hugs to those close to you—family members, friends, or coworkers. For a fun activity, organize a "hug-a-thon" in your community or workplace, or create a “free hugs” station to spread cheer. Schools and families can participate by sharing books or stories about kindness and connection, then following up with craft activities like making hug-themed cards or drawing pictures of people embracing. Even if you're not physically present with loved ones, virtual hugs through kind messages or video calls can bring smiles.

On this special day, let’s embrace the universal language of affection, remind others that they are valued, and share the joy that a simple hug can bring. After all, in a world that often feels divided, the power of human touch can bridge gaps and build stronger bonds. 

Five delightful books about hugs that are perfect for young children include:

Hug by Jez Alborough - This almost wordless book follows a little chimpanzee named Bobo as he searches for a hug. With its simple and repetitive text, it’s ideal for early readers and emphasizes the importance of love and connection.

Porcupine Hugs by Belle Brown and Alejandra M - This is a heart-warming picture book about friendship and finding a way to show love even to those most different from us.

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell - Meet the Hug Machine, a little boy who gives the best hugs to everyone and everything, no matter the size or shape. This fun and endearing story shows the power of spreading love through hugs.

The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning and Valeri Gorbachev-This story features Owen, a piglet, who wants to send his grandmother a hug through the mail. The whimsical adventure highlights the joy of giving and receiving hugs, even from afar.

Bear Hug by Katharine McEwen - A sweet story about a bear who loves giving hugs, this book teaches young readers about the seasons and the special bonds we share with those we love. Its poetic text and lovely illustrations are sure to captivate little ones.

Happy National Hugging Day!

Cozy Reading Corners: Winter Books Kids Will Love

Winter is the perfect time to transform your classroom into a warm, inviting space for reading. Picture twinkling lights, soft blankets, and students curled up with a good book, surrounded by a cozy winter wonderland. Creating a seasonal reading corner not only sets the mood but also encourages a love of reading during these colder months. Whether you’re diving into the wonders of snowy landscapes or exploring winter animal adventures, the right books can make this season magical. Here’s a list of engaging winter-themed reads and ideas to bring your reading corner to life!

Winter Books to Feature in Your Cozy Corner

1. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats 

   Follow Peter’s simple yet enchanting adventures through a snowy neighborhood. This timeless classic celebrates the joy of snow and is perfect for sparking conversations about students’ own winter experiences.  

   - Activity: Have students draw or write about their own snowy day adventures.  

2. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner  

   A beautifully illustrated story that explores the secret world of winter animals beneath the snow. This book combines lyrical storytelling with fascinating animal facts.  

   - Activity: Tie this into science by creating a winter animal fact booklet or a “who lives under the snow?” guessing game.  

3. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

   In this rhyming story, Bear sleeps through a party thrown by his forest friends in his cozy cave. The fun rhythm and engaging story make it a classroom favorite.  

   - Activity: Build mini caves from craft materials and talk about hibernation.  

4. Penguin Problems by Jory John 

   A hilarious story about a grumpy penguin learning to appreciate the good things in life. This modern favorite adds humor to your reading corner.  

   - Activity:  Have students write or draw about something they appreciate in their own lives.  

5. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin  

   The true story of Wilson Bentley, a man who dedicated his life to capturing the beauty of snowflakes. This book is great for combining history and science.  

   - Activity: Encourage students to create their own paper snowflakes and learn about symmetry.  

6. The Mitten by Jan Brett

   This Ukrainian folktale tells the story of animals seeking shelter in a boy’s mitten, illustrated with Jan Brett’s iconic detailed artwork.  

   - Activity: Use sequencing cards to retell the story or create mitten crafts with the animals hidden inside. 

 

7. Brave Irene by William Steig

   A story about determination and bravery, as Irene sets out in a fierce snowstorm to deliver a dress for her mother.  

   - Activity: Discuss challenges students have faced and how they’ve shown bravery, tying it to the story’s theme.  

8.  The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen 

   A heartwarming story of kindness and giving, this tale features a woman who knits mittens for children in need, spreading warmth and love throughout her community.

Activity: Have students write about or draw an act of kindness they can do for someone else this winter. 

9 There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro 

A hilarious winter twist on the classic "swallowed a fly" tale, this book follows the Cold Lady's quirky and fun-filled snowy adventure.

Activity: Create a sequencing activity where students retell the events using pictures of the items she swallows.

10 If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff 

   A wintery twist on the classic If You Give a Mouse... series, full of festive fun and chaos.  

   - Activity: Have students brainstorm their own If You Give a... winter-themed story ideas.

A cozy reading corner with winter-themed books not only enriches your classroom environment but also nurtures a love for literature. By featuring engaging stories and pairing them with creative activities, you can make reading an experience students look forward to every day.

This winter, invite your students to explore snowy adventures, brave challenges, and animal habitats—all from the warmth of your classroom. Curl up, read on, and let the magic of winter unfold, one page at a time.  

Exploring the World of Winter Animals in 2025!

Hello, 2025! There’s something truly refreshing about stepping into a brand-new year, and this year, I feel especially grateful and energized to say "Happy New Year"! Reflecting on the challenges and growth of 2024, we find ourselves with a renewed focus and vision—ready to set meaningful goals. January also brings a perfect opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as we explore themes of courage, equality, and hope that resonate with young learners setting their own goals.

One of the highlights of winter, for me, is diving into the fascinating world of animals and their incredible adaptations for surviving the cold. There’s so much magic in learning about creatures like bears, penguins, polar bears, moose, and the elusive Arctic fox. With Project-Based Learning, young learners can explore the science of winter animals through interactive activities: fact booklets, ‘How to Draw’ tutorials, and fun, bite-sized winter facts that bring these animals’ winter worlds to life! Embrace the season of curiosity and wonder, and let’s make learning about winter animals an adventure!

Project Based Learning - Animals in Winter

Animals in Winter Fact Booklet

Winter Animals A How to Draw Directed Drawing 

Bear Fact Booklet 

Penguin Fact Booklet

Polar Bear Fact Booklet 

Arctic Fox Fact Booklet

Moose Fact Booklet 

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