How Do You Teach South African Life Skills To First Graders?
Unfortunately, apartheid has left a permanent mark on the name of South Africa. Apartheid was legalized racial segregation that was enforced by the National Party government of South Africa for over 40 years. After its end in 1994, the residents of South Africa had to work toward peace. The journey is still continuing, but it is one that can be used as a real-life example for students, even first-graders. Compare the National Party government to a powerful clique. Explain how cliques can really hurt people and destroy their lives because of control, oppression and rejection. Give the first-graders a chance to brainstorm a better way to act in groups that is less hurtful to people and that doesn’t harm others. Analyze the actions of the leaders who fought against apartheid. Mandela is a great one. Explain to the first-graders that Mandela was willing to stand up for his beliefs even when it ostracized him. Use this to help the students know over the next few years that peer pressure wil
