With Juneteenth coming up, we wanted to share some resources. I have never actually taught about Juneteenth as school is usually out for us by then, but it is definitely worth addressing even as you finish up and get ready for summer. The book pictured above, Juneteenth for Mazie, would be a great place to start with elementary school kids, but more ideas from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) are linked below.

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, but was a public holiday in Washington DC and many other places before that. Originally, it was celebrated in Texas and slowly spread through migration around the country.

We are including some reading lists and information for children and adults below.

Happy Juneteenth (and summer break or almost summer break!

Celebrating Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture

Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth NMAAHC Kids

Juneteenth Reading List | National Museum of African American History and Culture (for adults!)

Teaching About Juneteenth Educators 4 Social Change

Teaching Juneteenth- Learning for Justice

Juneteenth: Teaching Outside the Textbook -Zinn Education Project

Lesson Plan: History of Juneteenth and why it's now a ...PBS

Five Ways to Learn About Juneteenth With The New York Times

Happy June to all teachers and students! You made it this far and are so close. We know/remember how incredibly exhausting this time of year can be between the heat, endless end of the school year events and requests, report cards, cleaning and packing up your classroom, and of course, the bittersweet farewells with your students.

If you still have some time with your students, our Pride Books 2022 post will give you some read aloud ideas for Pride this month. You can also work with your students on setting up for Summer Reading in a joyful and fun way (we hope).

We wrote about End of the School Year Activities in 2022 and in 2019 "What is always on your end of year list?" A quick 10 always on there items from us because we have so many and love traditions and making memories with our classes.

Lastly and maybe most importantly, don’t forget to think ahead about what YOU need this summer. Sending You Peace & Summer Wishes always, and if you have the free time and mental bandwidth, here are some Summer Professional Development Ideas.

Happy Pride and end of the school year. You did it!