I love March and April because they signal the beginning of spring. All around us are signs of rebirth: budding trees, unfurling blossoms, birds gathering in song on still bare branches. Every spring, I celebrated the accomplishments of women with our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. I gave them a packets of ten women in history to research and then they would select another woman of the choice. I describe our process here.
I did this for ten years and then decided to stop because of time constraints and teacher interest. This year was going to be the first year without a Women’s History Challenge Tea Party. That was until I met the tenacious duo of Tannishtha and Maxine. These two 5th grade students changed my mind and my heart. I describe how the touched my heart here.
This past week, six 5th grade girls and I got together to celebrate the women they chose on which to write research papers. They all did a fantastic job researching and writing. During the after school Tea Party, each girl got a chance to talk about what she discovered. Having only six students, gave us time to share and consider these women. I invited our librarian and our French teacher, who had supported some of the girls’ research.
We celebrated with spring tea (strawberry-vanilla and raspberry mint), tea sandwiches, scones, shortbread, teacakes, and other delectable treats. The crystal bowl of sugar cubes was completely gone by the end of the party! Ah, the joys of childhood. At the end of the part, I gave each girl a bag with a fancy china teacup and saucer, and I returned their research with a personal from me about what I learned from them. I was amazed that during the tea party the girls chatted about the women they researched as if they known them all their lives . That is how I imagined research to be: kids getting to know a person or subject so well that they could talk about it as if it was part of themselves – because, after all, it was now part of who they are.
Reflecting on this day, I know that it gave me so much joy. I also know it was important to the students. I’m rethinking my decision to end the Women’s History Challenge. I think I may continue in a new way with fewer students, maybe with just one grade level since there are so many school celebrations. I also think having the tea party after school gave us more time to listen and enjoy the work that each girl accomplished.
“It is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, after all.”
Women We Researched This Year!
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 
What a lovely idea! I appreciate the blend of “classic” trailblazers and contemporary ones. The second photo uses such a cool technique. It creates a nostalgic/dreamy impression. This project is far more interesting and enlivening than a biography report ;)
I am happy to hear that you continued the project. I also have experienced a lack of community and passion for “going the extra mile” as a teacher. It isn’t easy to steer the ship alone–but you had amazing students to give it the push required. Kudos to you for creating a personal space for students to celebrate womanhood in such a creative and affirming way!
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Oh, Joanne, I love how Tannishtha and Maxine helped you change your mind. What a glorious reason to, after all. The tea party, food, gifts, and girls all sound amazing! Thanks for the photos.
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Oh, this is just wonderful! I love the whole thing–the idea, the research, the celebration, the goodies and sugar cubes, the sharing. Wow! Thanks so much for sharing here, too.
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What you are doing is wonderful. The girls are going to remember it for a long time. I am sure it will influence their future learning.
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