Edwards Elementary in Ames is encouraging students and staff to share their “unique self” through the creation of a set of school wings this week. Each teacher is provided with enough wings for themselves and their students.
The document states that “Pride Month” is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots.
“The Riots were a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history,” the document states. “Although we are not in school during the month of June, it is still important to recognize the identities of our Edwards Community.”
Lesson plans and activities are included for each class.
For fourth grade, the lesson plan is “Uniquely You.” You can read about the kindergarten plan here. You can read about the first-grade plan here. You can read about the second-grade plan here.
The “I Can” statement that should be achieved by the lesson is:
“I can tell the history of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag.”
Students eventually color the rainbow picture and glue glitter to the page, after studying the rainbow flag and the meaning of each color.
All of this happens after fourth-grade students are shown the video “Sewing the Rainbow.” The book is a story about the creator of the Rainbow Flag. You can watch the video below:
Students are taught to consider the importance of not suppressing one’s “colorful, sparkly, glittery self” even if others disapprove.
“This project helps students appreciate the diversity of people in their classroom and larger community,” the lesson plan states.
