Black Lives Matter: A Message From Our Chief Education Officer

Dear Education Family,  Black lives matter.  We have witnessed ongoing injustice, violence, and deeply ingrained racism with the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and many others — the gravity and weight of which are heartbreaking. Racism, violence, and hate have no place in our world. At the National Geographic Society, we stand in support of human dignity, equity, and justice. … Continue reading Black Lives Matter: A Message From Our Chief Education Officer

Eid Comes to Party City

BUSINESS For the first time, a major American retailer is offering a dedicated line of decorations for the holiest period on the Islamic calendar: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. (New York Times) Use our activity to learn more about how culture influences rituals surrounding Ramadan. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Party City, the largest retailer … Continue reading Eid Comes to Party City

Learning History Through the Eyes of Women

Growing up, I spent hours and hours reading. During any given week, I would read three or four different books. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Laura Ingalls were my literary companions. I inhaled books, I was the one who read under the covers by flashlight, long after my bedtime. To say reading was my hobby was an understatement: It was my life. My community was … Continue reading Learning History Through the Eyes of Women

Reflecting on the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action

Now that February has ended (how is it already March?!) we are looking back to the beginning of the month when we participated in the nationwide Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. When talking about something like Black Lives Matter with third graders, we work hard to make sure that the points of entry and examples are tangible, accessible, and developmentally appropriate. As … Continue reading Reflecting on the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action

Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Was Originally Written as a ‘Little Black Boy’

BOOKS Charlie Bucket, the hero of Roald Dahl’s famous book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was originally written to be a “little black boy,” according to Felicity Dahl, the author’s widow. (NPR) Why does diversity in children’s literature make a difference? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including great media literacy guides from our partners. Discussion Ideas … Continue reading Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Was Originally Written as a ‘Little Black Boy’