From the classroom of Caroline Wright (SDAWP 2017)
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman is an inspiring picture book that encourages young people to believe in their ability to create positive change. Through poetic language, Gorman tells the story of a girl who leads others in acts of kindness, showing that even small actions can make a big difference. Illustrated by Loren Long, the book emphasizes themes of unity, diversity, and social justice, making it a powerful read about the impact everyone can have on their communities.
How do you encourage your students to recognize that their voices matter? What books and resources do you use to help them speak up for justice? In what ways do you create opportunities for students to take action on issues that are important to them?
Link to lesson reel HERE.
Resources:
- Resources from Teaching Books
- An Educator’s Guide to Change Sings from Penguin Classroom
- No Place for Hate® Back to School Kickoff: Change SIngs Follow-Up Activities for Schools from the Anti-Defamation League
- Change Sings read aloud in English
- La Canción del Cambio read aloud in Spanish
- Amanda Gorman personal website
- Loren Long (illustrator) personal website
Related books:
- Speak Up by Miranda Paul and Ebony Glenn
- Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley, Cedella Marley, and John Jay Cabuay
- Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett
- My Voice is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen and Cathy Ann Johnson
More by Amanda Gorman:
- Call Us What We Carry: Poems resources from Teaching Books
- Something, Someday resources from Teaching Books
- Girls on the Rise new picture book available for preorder
- “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” resources from Teaching Books
SDAWP Voices 