NAVIGATION
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Join us to connect with thousands of fellow educators and access exciting educational events and resources for you and your students.
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New to First Book?
Join us to connect with thousands of fellow educators and access exciting educational events and resources for you and your students.
This school year looks different than any other and that can be stressful and worrisome for both educators and students alike. Educators of kids in need are facing their greatest challenge yet as the pandemic worsens existing barriers to education.
Earlier this year, we distributed a First Book Research & Insights survey, asking educators about their concerns, and what they need to ensure their students are ready and able to learn. In response, we have partnered with organizations and outside experts to expedite a collection of resources to address the issues identified by educators working with kids in need nationwide.
Educators are Worried about Children’s Mental/Social-Emotional Health
Mental health has taken center stage for children in need, as these uncertain times have brought new stresses and grief to their lives. In fact, 91% of educators cited mental health of their students as a top concern. We partnered with the New York Life Foundation to host a community webcast,Supporting Children Coping with Grief and Loss,led by Dr. David Schonfeld, to discuss ways educators can support their students currently coping with grief and loss. Watch the webcasthere.
In addition, First Book offers arange of tools and resourcesto help educators and programs support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills development and address trauma including aTrauma Toolkit, thePromoting Respect and Empathy Toolkitand theGrief, Loss and Healing Toolkit.
Educators Need Support to Bridge the Digital Divide
According to our study, more than 40% of kids in need face back to school without access to the internet or devices, essentially locking them out of learning. First Book is working with Intel, CDW-G and the LEGO Foundation to provide a comprehensive package of distance learning resources to 45 school districts in 13 states.
Educators Want Resources for Age-Appropriate Conversations About Race
Seventy-six percent of respondents told us they needed access to new tools to support effective, age-appropriate conversations with students about race and social justice. First Book worked with leading anti-bias, antiracist experts to developa series of Empowering Educators resources, including:
The Empowering Educators resources can also be used by organizations, community action agencies, and families looking to build their understanding and awareness around creating equity in education.
And, to further support diversity and inclusion,First Book collaborated with the Aerospace Industries Association to create aDiversity in STEM Calendarto celebrate culture, diversity and inclusion throughout the school year.
Educators drive the work of First Book
We recognize that there is much more educators need – and First Book is laser focused on listening and responding with the highest quality resources as fast as we can.
If you’re an educator serving children in need, visit theFirst Book Marketplaceto explore more books and resources. And encourage your fellow educators serving children in need tosign up with First Book– to add their voice and drive the development of even more resources to support equal education.
