Workshops for Teachers

Choose from these topics:

1. Building Themes with Afrocentric-Multicultural Literature

Explains how to create themes using afrocentric-multicultural literature with suggestions for a whole language program. Hands-on demonstration using music, books and artifacts.
This workshop was presented for the EOPA Toledo, Ohio Head Start Conference (1998) and several other places.

2. Celebrating Diversity with Children’s Literature

How to select and use literature from the African-American, Caribbean, African, Asian, Native-American and Hispanic cultures. A first-hand look at new titles, plus background information and interesting facts about the countries, authors and illustrations.

3. How to Teach Black History Using Children’s Literature

Starting in ancient Africa and proceeding in chronological sequence to modern times, learn how to use current children’s literature to teach Black history. Explore the middle passage, ancient civilizations of Africa, plantation life, the underground railroad, the Civil War, Black inventors, the civil rights movement and much more. This literature-based approach with ideas for infusing Black history into the Social Studies curriculum ends with a historical time-line review. This workshop was presented at the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Teacher’s Convention in Dallas, Texas (2000) and in Chicago (2018).

4. Kwanzaa – What’s It All About?2 basic introduction to this unique African-American holiday. Explains the symbols, principles and history of Kwanzaa. Includes a hands-on activity and video review…. everything the elementary teacher needs to know to gain an understanding of this holiday. Literature, artifacts and Kwanzaa supplies are displayed. This workshop was presented at Greater Grace Academy, Detroit, Michigan (1994)

5. How to Teach the Kwanzaa Principles Using Children’s Literature

Specific books are recommended to explain each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Biographies and autobiographies of African-Americans plus other current children’s literature are used to explore the practical applications of the Nguzu Saba. Shows how to make the Kwanzaa principles come alive in day-to-day living.

6. Early Childhood Development

Describes the developmental stages of children using Piaget’s and Gesell’s developmental models. Cognitive, physical and emotional/social growth patterns are examined with applications for effective teaching strategies. Maturational readiness is emphasized. This workshop has been presented for church children’s ministries groups as well as for teachers’ in-service sessions.

7. Black Child Development

Part 1 – Includes the general principles of child development and reviews the physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth stages of children from infancy to age 5.

Part 2 – Details the developmental stages from ages 6 to 12.

Part 3 – Explains how African culture and the American slavery experience have impacted the learning styles of African American children. The differences between European-American and African-American cultural styles are outlined with suggestions for classroom strategies suportive of the African American child.

8. Using Multicultural Children’s Literature for Creative Storytelling

Techniques and tales with props, singing and artifacts — a fun session for teachers — with great ideas!

This workshop was presented for a Lansing School District In-Service (2006) and has been presented for many professional staff development sessions, including Oakland County Head Start Conference (1998 and 1999) and First 5 “Our Diverse World” educational conference, Lemoore, California (2008).

9. School Failure and the African-American Boy.

Why are so many African-American boys placed in special education classes in America’s schools? Has the African-American boy failed at school or has the school failed the African-American boy? Look inside the typical American school and view the policies, practices and attitudes that work against the learning stlye of African-American boys. Let’s find new ways to bring educational successes to the African-American boy! Specific suggestions for meeting the educational needs of young Black males are discussed. This workshop explores the historical, cultural, gender and developmental issues that impact the African-American boy. The Ben Carson school success story is highlighted. A book display of relevant material is included.

This workshop was presented at Wexford Elementary, a Lansing, Michigan Public School (2002) as well as to several public schools in the Macon, Georgia school district (2006), for the Ecorse, Michigan School Disrict (2004) and Dixon Elementary, Detroit (2009)

10. The Drugging of America’s Children

How pervasive is the use of prescription drugs amongst children? And what is its impact on the educational process? Hyperactivity – is Ritalin the best answer? Explore natural alternatives and preventative. measures.

11. School Improvement Walk-thru & Workshop

Starting at the curbside, let’s take a critical look at your school looking for ways to enhance the message sent to the public and positive educational features you offer. The landscape, the outdoor sign, the entry way, office, halls, classrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, and even the storage areas and janitor’s closet – all tell a message about your school. Let our experienced educational consultant, who has visited over 300 schools, offer a helpful critique of your school followed by a workshop for staff, school board and administration about more concrete ways to improve the curriculum and learning environment.

This session was held for several private schools in Michigan.

12. Managing Difficult School Behavior

Explore some of the causes of difficult behavior and how schools can better prevent the onset of such behavior.

This workshop was requested by a private school in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

13. Brain Power

Learn how to boost your students’ brain power and improve school performance with changes in diet, classroom environment, learning activities and curriculum.

14. Good School/Bad School

How does your school rate? Ms. Blake has visited over 300 schools and developed criteria for recognizing outstanding schools. From the decor of the principal’s office to the quality of the lunchroom menu – explore those factors that contribute to a highly rated school.

15. Why Jamal Can’t Read

Highlights practical steps for the classroom teacher to facilitate reading improvement for the African-American child….includes the childhood story of how Barry Black’s mother groomed him for academic success.

This workshop was presented at Peterson-Warren Academy, Inkster, MI – February 2018

16. How to Maintain the Joy of Learning through Literacy, Creativity & Movement

Using the life story of Benjamin Banneker, this workshop delineates the historical, contemporary and research-based principles for academic success for children, especially African-American boys.
This presentation was given at Pomona Alliance for Black School Educators, September 2018, Pomona, California


SPECIAL TOPICS – You Can Suggest A Topic Based on Your Specific Needs

Several educators have requested a special topic that they generate. Our educational consultant will research and develop a workshop to meet your specific needs.

Here are examples below:

1. “How to Prevent Negative Marketing of Your School”
Michigan Conference of SDA Teacher’s Conference, Camp AuSable, Grayling, Michigan

2. “Student Diversity – A Strength: Creating Culturally Responsive Learning Environments”
 La Sierra Academy, Riverside, California – February 2019

3. “Can a White Teacher Teach Black History to White Students?”
Michigan Conference of Lutheran Teachers, Lansing, Michigan