What does it mean?
It is a day to celebrate social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
It also aims to increase the visibility of women, raise awareness against discrimination and to advocate for equality, while calling out inequality.
Why March 8th?
On this day, 1908, thousands of women in New York marched calling for equality and equity. It was the beginning of the Feminist movement in the USA.
Recommended books for teachers :
I am really an advocate for promoting reading in class! I read as much as I can on the matter to learn how I can best help teachers spark a love of books!
These women made a valuable contribution to the promotion of reading:
🖋Jella Lepman: ibby.org/about/jella-lepman-medal/
🖋Michele Petit: ibby.org/index.php?id=900
What can be done with kids?
I always devote a class -or two- to this day and offer my students the chance of learning -and honouring- women that contributed to humankind.
Theses are some books that children and teens like:
-Enjoy these titles I have selected to work in class, activities and links to web pages!-.
1-
Written by Malala Yousafzai
Illustrated by Kerascoët.
Ages 8+
Pages 36
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company USA, Puffin Books UK 2017
A book about : History, art, racism, equality, hope, perseverance
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani woman who spoke out publicly on behalf of girls in Pakistan whose right to attend school and learn had been removed by the Taliban.
Malala’s Magic Pencil tells the story, in Malala’s own words, of how she came to be an advocate for women and girls in her country. She describes her childhood and her father’s belief in the importance of educating girls and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope and to make her voice heard even in the most difficult of times.Suggested for ages: 6 –12 years
You can also watch: https://youtu.be/jWKYalbPLRY https://youtu.be/tce3zHfGVuA
2-
Illustrated by Loveis Wise https://loveiswise.com/
Ages 8/9+
Pages 40
Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780063021891
A book about : History, art, racism, equality, hope, perseverance
Alma loves color and nature, even though she lives in a world that denies her access to rights and education. Alma’s story is an inspiring ode to giving back and helping others.
In this stunning celebration of art and imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible and inspiring true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and the first Black woman to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color.
Visit: Ablaze with Color | Jeanne Walker Harvey | Children's Book Author (jeanneharvey.com) for a tour on Alma's life
Watch/ listen to the story: https://youtu.be/HGCoSzsFGog
3-
Written by Rachel Blandon Graded reader
Age 13+
Pages 80
Publishe OUP ISBN 10 0194022854
A book about : History
Written by Kate Scott
Age 9+
Published by Penguin Books 2019 ISBN-10 : 0241372704
From 1942 until 1944, Anne Frank and her family lived secretly in a few small rooms at the back of her father's office in Amsterdam, never leaving the building. Like many other Jewish families at that time, they were hiding from Hitler's Nazis.
While she was in hiding, Anne wrote diaries which described her secret life, and the loves, hopes, fears and dreams of a teenage girl in extraordinary times. After the war, the diaries became famous around the world. This is the story of the diaries, of Anne Frank's early years, and of her life during and after the time in hiding.
Watch:
More activities:
You can find a lot of useful activities for primary and secondary students here:
I also want to include two famous women who left an important legacy in the world of literature: Beatrix Potter and Judy Kerr.
I like working with the biography and making connections with other subjects -history, geography, science-
These pages offer versions for children:
Biography Browse Kids | Britannica Kids -subscription needed-
🖋 Beatrix Potter the famous writer, known for her children's books featuring animals -The Tale of Peter Rabbit- was also an important natural scientist and conservationist in a time when women's discoveries were not valued.
There are activities for kids here:
Learn about Beatrix Potter here:
🖋Judith Kerr, writer, famous for her series Mog and The Tiger who came to Tea. Born in Germany, she found her place in England after escaping Nazis persecutions, which she describes in her book When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit -there is a very touching movie (2019) based on the book.
Learn more here: Home - Tiger, Mog and Friends (tigermogandfriends.com) https://youtu.be/AtEbvwc6SQA
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