Learn Together

Learning about history can fire up your child’s imagination and may even inspire them to walk in the footsteps of some of history’s groundbreaking figures.

Materials

  • Computer, tablet, or phone to watch the video
  • A comfortable seat
  • Poster board, a large piece of cardboard, or construction paper
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Tape
  • Printer (optional)

Make Together

Watch and listen to “They Wore Glasses” by Nabeeh Bilal. Join Zoe as her Mama helps her discover some cool people who wore glasses, just like her! 

When Zoe gets picked on for being different, how does her Mama help her feel better? Zoe’s Mama inspires her by showing her what amazing things these African American women accomplished — all while wearing glasses. They were civil rights activists, mathematicians, politicians, and entrepreneurs! 

Now it’s your turn to be inspired! Create an inspiration collage with all of your favorite role models:

  1. Find a poster board or large piece of cardboard to use as a canvas. You can also tape sheets of construction paper together to make one large sheet. 
  2. Write down some biographical facts about yourself on different parts of your canvas. Do you wear glasses? What do you look like? Where is your family from? Are you left-handed? Do you love chocolate ice cream with sprinkles? Make sure to leave room for pictures and drawings.
  3. Now, pick some of the real-life heroes mentioned in “They Wore Glasses” or choose some of your own. Learn their stories by researching them online or reading a book about them. Find out what makes them heroes. What did they accomplish? What did they have to overcome? How did they inspire others?
  4. See if you have anything in common. Draw their portraits, tape a printed photo of them, or write their names on your canvas near any biographical facts you both share. 
  5. Once you’re done, hang up your inspiration collage where you can see it every day as a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes…and some of them are just like you! Like Zoe’s Mama said, “There are some cool people who are doing great things, and you can be as great as anyone of them!”

Want to learn more about what it takes to be a hero and to overcome obstacles, try making a paper plate portrait with CMOM at Home to further explore the idea of prejudice.

Enjoy more Callaloo Kids with stories and songs.

For more books to read with your children that support conversations about race and racism, please click here for the Conscious Kids Library book list.