I’m starting my own cotton plantation!!

Ok. Not quite. BUT, I did purchase a cotton tree at a national trust sale this weekend.  And, I’m excited!

When the well-versed horticulturist pointed it out, I was immediately interested, grabbed it quickly, and lugged it to my hidden and growing stash of plants (you have to keep an eye out for plant thieves that lurk about at great sales like this one! 🙂 ).

What a find!  Some of you may be wondering, “Why on earth would I purchase a cotton tree and why on earth would I be excited about something with negative connotations toward people of colour?”

I’m glad you asked! 🙂

I believe in the effectiveness of creative teaching and learning. It adds life to a lesson!

What better way to make lessons on slavery in the southern parts of America more vivid and understood by growing minds?
Think about it.

When was the last time you saw cotton growing on a tree? 
How about the thorns that surround it and being able to pluck it without damaging it or hurting yourself?

So, instead of just reading the likes of What It Was Like To Be A Slave In America (click here to view), why not show them too?

• BONUS LESSON PLAN •
If you’re not fortunate to have a cotton tree like me, try this:

• hide white cotton balls throughout a nearby bush (or try mulch aka tobacco or blades of grass aka sugar cane)
• using a small  basket or bucket, ask them to fill as much ‘cotton’ in their basket as possible within 5-10 minutes
• BONUS: add a mathematical element to it: have them weigh their collection or transfer it to a tall container; if it meets the goal weight/volume, they win!

FREE MINI LESSON PLAN

FOR AGES 3 TO 7

 

JOIN NOW to view our FREE creative activity to help engage your child in learning about history.

 

Fusing Culture into Curriculum Creatively™

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So, no – I am not developing my own cotton plantation.

But, I will be engaging my students with as close to real-life as possible reenactments of historical plantation life so they have a better understanding of and appreciation for this part of history.

Let’s continue to invest in our children as whole beings – fueling their mind, body, and spirit.
Let’s do this!

Chat soon,

~Miss. Tamika

P.S.  Check out these additional recommendations to help make your lesson even more creative:

BEFORE I GO…

– Check out our ARETEnrichment Studio!  Click here to explore our Studio of goodies.  Join our e-list to stay abreast of the release of new resources and more.

– Have you signed up for our monthly Excellence RULES Enrichment Packs?  These packs are the perfect option to help solidify your child’s in-class learning in a creative way.  Click here to register for next month’s pack.

– Stay tuned for more valuable posts to help make this year a success for you and your child…<<<catch up on prior posts here>>>

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