February’s book: The Colors of Us by Karen Katz A primary concern for elementary students is that everyone be treated equally. First-graders are diligent about making sure each of them gets the same number of chances, the same opportunities, the same choices. They are quick to alert you with a cry of “It’s not fair!” if they did not get a turn or if someone else got seconds. They understand that each of us deserves to be treated equally and fairly.

The Eisenhower Era marked the beginning of the modern civil rights movement and a growing federal commitment to the cause of civil rights. Our youngest students understand that discrimination based on skin color is not fair. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz asks students to go beyond black and white and take a closer look at all shades of skin by using Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons and familiar description words. All colors are celebrated, and all are beautiful. This lesson provides children with a foundation for future lessons of our country’s difficult past and present struggles with civil rights.