Teaching April 2023
With the Spring season just beginning, April seems like a month of transition, but also new opportunities. From protecting our planet to honoring great heroes, here are 6 important days, relevant Topics, and one new Unit to share with your students during the month of April.
April 4 – Maya Angelou’s Birthday
“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn”. These words from Maya Angelou are often felt in the classroom, where teachers strive tirelessly to create a generation of lifelong learners. Your students may not be familiar with her work, but her lessons are something we can all learn from. She was a writer, a director, a poet, a civil rights activist, and so much more. We are honored to bring you our newest Unit chronicling her life, lustrous career, and rise to literary greatness.
April 6 – US Enters World War I (1917)
It was originally called The Great War and The War to End All Wars. On this day in 1917, the United States officially joined the Allies in World War I. While anything from over 100 years ago can feel like an ancient concept to your students, our World War I Unit will bring alive this great international conflict. Continue the story with your students about why some of the resolutions ultimately lead to the beginning of World War II.
April 7 – Everglades Day
At one of the most southern points in the United States lies the Everglades. These 1.5 million acres of wetlands are home to hundreds of animal species, many found nowhere else in the world, and are crucial to the heritage and culture of Florida. One of the Everglades’ greatest champions was Marjory Stoneman Douglas. She was a journalist and conservationist who saw the beauty and understood its importance. In honor of her birthday, April 7th, we also celebrate Everglades Day. No matter where you call home, your students will love to read from The Everglades, part of our Wetlands Unit.
April 15: Jackie Robinson Debuted in MLB (1947)
In 1947, Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke a long-standing color barrier in Major League Baseball. Number 42’s bravery in a segregated world was a substantial step forward for racial equality in the United States. Even 76 years later, the MLB honors his legacy on Jackie Robinson Day. All players don this special number. With the beginning of baseball season fast approaching, it’s an incredible time to share our Jackie Robinson Unit with your students so they can learn about the life of this American hero.
April 21: Rome Founded (753 BC)
They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it may have begun on April 21st in 753 BC. There are a lot of myths about what exactly happened on this day, but it is still celebrated throughout the Eternal City. The annual Natale di Roma is a perfect opportunity for you and your students to brush up on ancient history by reading from our Roman Empire Unit. After all, all roads lead to Rome!
Planet Earth in the Starry Sky of Solar System in Space. This image elements furnished by NASA.
April 22 – Earth Day
The first Earth Day was in 1970, and is said to be the beginning of the modern environmental movement. On this day we take time to think about how we’ll build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change, and protect the Earth for future generations. Explore our Discover Map to find dozens of topics in Earth Science, within units such as Wetlands, Oceans, and Geology. For a deeper conversation on protecting your community’s environment, check out our unit on Conservation, which includes topics like Sustainability, Our Carbon Footprint, and Landfills and Recycling.
Kid Discover Teaching April 2023
