With this background information in mind, my unit for the seminar Women's Voices in Literature presents children with a variety of literature by women authors who focus on some aspect of the African American family as it has survived its experience in the United States. In choosing the family as my focus, I gain the opportunity to show the strength and sustaining force which this institution has exerted and continues to exert upon African American life. Though the subject matter revolves about fiction whose primary characters are African Americans and concentrates on the related events of African American history, children of any race or ethnic background can relate to the activities I present. They all have families of some type and all need additional exposure to the history of African Americans. Since, traditionally, the literature and educational materials available to the elementary classroom have under-represented and distorted the lives, history, and contributions of African Americans, it is essential that this gap be closed for all students.
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Regarding my use of only women authors, the role of women, all women, and their contributions, generally and specifically, have likewise, been under-represented and often distorted in elementary classroom books and materials. Third grade is not too early to begin making children aware of this failing and to begin informing them of the role which women have played historically in our society.
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Through the use of women authors, pupils will learn how these authors have been an important part of a movement which brought African American characters into the elementary classroom, thus, filling that void which had existed much longer than it should have. I can recall when the presence of an African American character in a story was an oddity. Further, by using women authors, most of whom will be black, I will present a perspective which will illustrate and emphasize the importance of both the family unit, in general, and, specifically, the female members whom circumstances often forced to assume the role of maintaining and guiding this family. Naturally, positive male role-models will also be a part of many stories and background material. This approach will require some historical examination of the unique pressures that often strained the African American family unit. Children will learn of the resulting importance assumed by the extended family, which, along with a variety of relatives and friends, included church and community. An understanding of these institutions is essential to gaining an understanding and appreciation of the African American family. The interrelationship of these elements will be stressed, along with the positive influences each has had upon the other and especially upon the individual. As a bonus, the experience of focusing on the strengths of family life in the face of adversity will help to develop a sense of pride in a history which all too often leaves young African American students with a feeling of helplessness---and even shame.
The historical information presented and the stories selected will not ignore relationships with the white community and the many conflicts which existed. It will include material ranging from slavery through the Civil Rights Movement up until more modern times. While some stories will focus on confrontation, many will emphasize the everyday interactions involved within family life and the people its members encounter.