March 1st marks the beginning of Women’s History Month in the United States and other countries around the world. This month is dedicated to celebrating the women who have made significant contributions to our history, as well as all the women who play a role in leading us, supporting us, and caring for us in our daily life.
In the words of Better Kids’ Founder, Ondine Bullot, Women’s History month “is significant for recognizing the resilience, perseverance, and bravery it takes to say yes to what may seem challenging because we have hope that, whatever it is, it’s going to make a difference in someone’s life. It’s about finding allies and role models who support and inspire us to achieve our goals, especially in industries like technology where women are underrepresented.”
These themes of resilience, perseverance and relationship building are core aspects of social emotional learning (SEL). Women’s History Month is a fantastic opportunity for educators and parents to tie in SEL activities to the celebration of women and their successes in the past and present. This blog provides fun, hands-on SEL activities and read aloud books to incorporate during this important month.
1. Daily Dedication: Women as Role Models and Inspirations
Suggested Age Range: 1st grade and up
At the start of each day in March, perhaps at a morning meeting, ask one student to tell the class about a woman - famous, literary, or real life - who inspires them. The class or lesson then becomes dedicated to that woman, and every student gets a chance to talk about someone important to them over the course of the month. You will find that this short, simple activity brings the classroom community together in powerful ways as students find commonalities to relate to each other and become vulnerable in a safe space.
Encourage students to bring in a physical picture of the woman they are dedicating the lesson to so that by the end of the month, your class will have a beautiful poster or collage full of all the women who inspire your students. You can also do this digitally by having students email or upload a photo, and then creating a digital slideshow or collage with all the photos.
2. Social Scenarios with Female Pioneers
Suggested Age Range: K-2
Women’s History month is a great opportunity to teach students about the contributions to society that a diverse set of women have made. To tie this important history into SEL, students can learn about a female pioneer and a conflict she theoretically could have come across in her work. Then, using the coping mechanisms and superpowers they have learned from Wisdom: The World of Emotions, students can work together or individually to help the pioneer resolve her problem. You can even have students create skits in groups for a more interactive activity!
Use the scenarios to discuss with students that even the bravest and most courageous among us feel anxious and scared sometimes, and that we all have the power inside us to tackle any challenges we might face.
To find more Social Scenarios with Female Pioneers and other activities for social emotional learning, visit our free app Wisdom: The World of Emotions (iOS, Android, Web).
We encourage you to introduce these incredible women (and others!) through biographies and short profiles so students have a better understanding of who they are and what they have done.
3. Reflection and Drawing Prompts
Suggested Age Range: Pre-K-5th
These short prompts can be used during transitions, breaks, or free time. Giving students the space to reflect on the women in their lives who are important to them, and perhaps making a piece of art to show them, is a great way to increase connection and work on positive relationship building.
Some sample prompts are here, but feel free to make your own:
Which woman in your life do you look up to? Why?
Which woman in your life inspires you?
Think about a time a woman in your life helped you solve a problem. What was the problem, and how did she help you solve it?
4. Read Aloud Books
These books all feature strong female characters that students can relate to and look up to.
During the read aloud, have a dialogue with your students about what it means for the female characters to be uniquely themselves and persevere in the face of challenges.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by Monica Brown
Marisol McDonald is a biracial girl with red hair and brown skin. In many ways, Marisol defies the norms and sometimes confuses those around her. She is, however, confidently herself!
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires
Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. Eventually, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
Can one child's good deed change the world? It can, when she’s Ordinary Mary―an ordinary girl from an ordinary school, on her way to her ordinary house―who stumbles upon ordinary blueberries. When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, she starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.
New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer
The realistic oil paintings in this book bring life to this story of a young girl's determination in the face of injustice. The book includes an author's note from Susan Lynn Meyer, discussing the historical context of the story and how the Civil Rights Movement worked to abolish unfair laws like the ones that main character Ella Mae encounters.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Unhei just moved from Korea to the U.S. She is anxious to start school, especially when she realizes that those around her are now unsure how to pronounce her name. After considering various American names, Unhei decides to choose her Korean name, thanks to her appreciation for her culture and the kindness of her new friends.
Listening with My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-compassion by Gabi Garcia
When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d hoped, will she remember to show it to herself?
The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
Beatrice never makes mistakes. But when the inevitable happens -- she makes a big mistake in front of everyone -- Beatrice learns that life is better when she enjoys all of life, even the mistakes.
I am Enough by Grace Byers
This lyrical ode emphasizes the beauty of loving ourselves, respecting others, and being kind.
It takes a Village by Jane Cowen-Fletcher
In a story based on the West African proverb, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," a young girl proudly watches her brother and then realizes that the entire village has been watching them both.
If you are a teacher, you can access our free 14-week SEL read-aloud program with a weekly theme, suggested read-alouds, ready-to-use discussion slides, and a dedicated worksheet. Check out our other blogs for even more SEL-themed read-aloud books!
5. Quotes to Share
These quotes from women across history and female literary characters can spark a discussion with your students. Ask them which quotes they connect to, and why. What are some lessons to be learned about treating ourselves and others with more respect and empathy?
"I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion." - Billie Jean King
“You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” - Glinda the Good Witch, Wizard of Oz
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” - Amy March, Little Women
“One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals." - Michelle Obama
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.“ - Maya Angelou
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” - Billie Jean King
“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” - Serena Williams
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
“Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.” - Audre Lorde
“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” - Judy Garland
“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” - Malala Yousafzai
“Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn, but I developed confidence.” – Michelle Obama
Through these powerful stories, activities, and quotes, your students will surely have a greater appreciation and understanding of all that women have done and are capable of doing, while at the same time practicing those key SEL competencies that will help them succeed in their own lives.
