It seems “thank you” is always said at the end of the school year, but I want to start out this school year by saying “THANK YOU TEACHERS!” All the teachers I know start to prepare for the school, in thought and action, during the summer for the next school year. And despite all the hardships, online/remote teachings, and uncertainty over the past few years, teachers have remained so dedicated to their students and their profession. As you head back to the classroom, Thank You, Teachers! With gratitude and appreciation, may this school year begin well for each of you!

Through sharing to many different audiences about “The Kindness of Color” this year, I’ve learned about some great resources re: the Japanese American incarceration and combating racism for educators, as well as all of us, life-long learners of all ages! There’s always more to learn!

Here are some resources that I hope might help you this school year!

New American History and Bunk , Two Projects from the University of Richmond (Virginia)

“We all live in history every moment of our lives. Because it is sometimes hard to see that history, coming to us in so many shapes and forms, we offer New American History.” - Ed Ayers, Executive Director, New American History

New American History is a new way to understand the full history of America. New American History attempts to show history in more meaningful and memorable ways, making what was previously invisible visible.

Bunk is a shared home for the web’s most interesting writing and thinking about the American past. Bunk explores the multi-dimensional connections between past and present.

Search "Japanese Internment" or "Japanese American" for a variety of writings of true life experiences involving WWII incarceration camps.

"A Grave Injustice: The Future of America’s Past” by New American History

This curriculum series offers one track for educators/teachers and one for students on the Japanese American internment. I watched the whole thing and it is very thorough, telling the story with video testimonies and historical facts. It’s a great resource for teachers and classrooms, or anyone who wants to learn more, and comes complete with a vocabulary list and questions for discussions and deeper reflection.

Professional Development Opportunities for California Educators by the Museum of Tolerance

Set in the Museum of Tolerance’s immersive learning environment, Tools for Tolerance® for Educators introduces new paradigms toward building capacity for safe and respectful schools. Training is available for individual educators or teams that want to grow together. 

Classroom Resources, Curated by the Museum of Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance supports schools in advancing anti-bias education, inclusion, and equity. They were named a partner in the California Department of Education’s new “Education to End Hate” initiative. The MOT’s unique content features lessons from the Holocaust and dynamic exhibits on contemporary human rights struggles, and confronting hate and discrimination in the US today. Featuring live virtual tours, expert speakers, personal testimonies, video story-telling, and hands-on lesson plans and resources, sessions create space for dialogue and community. Educators have special access to our Film Club featuring award-winning films and dynamic conversations.

Enroll yourself in an upcoming Institute or webinar, or work with them to develop a custom program for your school or district team. Contact them with any questions.

Homegrown Scholars’ Top 10 Books About Japanese Internment For Kids

This is a great list of books for elementary age kids in their exploration of this time in history. The story books they suggest are a great way for kids to see themselves in history and enter into meaningful conversation through creative storytelling and imagery!

Social Justice Books’ Book List Recommendations

You can find great reading lists to adopt for your classroom or at home library from Social Justice Books! Two that The Kindness of Color have been added to are the Brown v. Board of Education book list and the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander authors list. Find more curated lists to enhance your reading for the school year!

FREE Resources for “The Kindness of Color”

I have curated and written free resources for classrooms, book groups, and solo readers to continue to explore the story of the Kindness of Color, the Japanese Internment Camps, and life during that time in American History. Some of the downloads are:

• Curriculum Packet for Teachers - created by education partners at the Orange County Department of Education, this handout addresses grade level readability, curriculum suggestions, key themes addressed in the book, and ideas for student and class assignments. 

• Discussion Questions for classroom, family conversations, or a book club.

• Resource list for More on the Japanese American Incarceration

• Places to Visit of Historical Note to the Japanese American Incarceration

With Best Wishes for Your School Year! Here’s to Learning All of History!

Cultivating Kindness,

Janice 

In the Press

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram as we cultivate kindness together