A generation ago, many thought that children should be seen and not heard. If we still adhered to that mantra we would miss some powerful voices for change. The Kent School community recently saw the power of a child’s voice in action when Second Grade student Lana recognized gender and racial disparity in a video presented by her Lower School Spanish teacher, Elizabeth Greenwell.
Greenwell, using a new curriculum tool, shared an animated video with her students to learn a song in Spanish. After watching the video, Lana noted that there were two girls, one the only student of color, who were not singing at all while three males did. Lana did not see herself or children like her represented in the video and she said that to her teacher. Greenwell had previewed the video but did not make the same observation as her Second Grade student. Lana’s comments opened her teacher’s eyes.
Inspired by Lana’s specific request for her teacher to email the curriculum provider, Greenwell sent a strongly worded email. In it, Greenwell expressed her dismay that a national curriculum would promote both gender and racial stereotypes through “subtle cues in your videos. I hope it was an oversight and that you re-record your videos to include female and black voices as well. Until then, I will not be using the curriculum as I feel it is unfair to my students.”
In response, Greenwell received a reply saying that the company appreciated her email and took her concerns seriously. Recently, Greenwell learned that the provider did publish a revised video which included updates that included a more diverse group of individuals. That is the power of a small and mighty voice in action.
Greenwell said, “As a teacher, I adjusted in September by not showing this video in class again. I now feel confident showing it, as it represents all of our students. We ALL belong at Kent School and I am so incredibly proud of Lana for holding me, a white teacher, and a national curriculum accountable, and making sure what we teach and what she learns is representative of who she is. She is a future world changer!”
The entire Kent School community is proud of Lana’s thoughtfulness and action. Head of School Nancy Mugele said, “Our school community knows the importance of BELONGING when it comes to student academic success and well-being. I am grateful that Lana has the strength of character to point out situations where there is a lack of BELONGING. Lana’s voice gives me hope that all students will be empowered to speak and act on behalf of themselves and others to foster BELONGING in all settings.”
Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving girls and boys from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information about Kent School visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110.
Kent School Writes 