Additional information
by Dawnavyn James (Author)
Dawnavyn James believes Black history shouldn't be relegated to the month of February. In her groundbreaking book, Beyond February: Teaching Black History Any Day, Every Day, and All Year Long, K-3, she provides a practical guide for elementary educators who seek to teach history in truthful and meaningful ways that help young students understand the past, the present, and the world around them.
Drawing on her experiences as a classroom teacher and a Black history researcher, James illustrates the big and small ways that we can center Black history in our everyday teaching and learning practices across the curriculum using read-alouds, music, historical documents, art, and so much more.
Inside this book you'll find:
- Essential ideas that guide our teaching of Black history
- Powerful People Sets: groups of Black historical figures organized by theme with resources for both teacher and student learning
- Book collections and lessons featuring nearly 100 children's books
- Strategies and tips for adapting and disrupting curriculum in order to center Black history
- Ideas for celebrating Black History Month in ways that go beyond February
- FAQ's to help you navigate the ins and outs of teaching Black history in the elementary classroom
With Beyond February, you'll have the tools to teach Black history all year long!
Author Biography
Dawnavyn M. James is an early childhood, elementary, and Black history educator and researcher from Kansas City, MO. She has given presentations and led workshops promoting Black history teaching in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Through consulting, Dawnavyn has supported teachers in numerous school districts as they work to teach Black history year-round through the use of picture books. She believes that picture books centering Black history are one of the greatest ways to bring Black histories into the classroom. She has taught students from kindergarten to fifth grade in Columbia, Missouri, but her favorite years of teaching were her three years with kindergartners. She received her teaching degree from Stephens College and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University at Buffalo and is a fellow at the Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education. Dawnavyn is also the founder of The Black History Club, an organization that empowers and equips teachers and students with information and resources that will benefit themselves, their families, and the community through engaging with Black histories.
