Welcome to the Tiles for Social Justice Project! We are thrilled that your students and you are interested in exploring past and current social justice topics. We believe this multi-discipline, art-infused strategy will assist teachers in developing critical and creative thinking skills in their students. Depending on teachers' preferences, the time allotted for this project could span from a single lesson to a lengthier thematic unit.
Once you start, let us know how it's going by sending an email ([email protected]), posting in the "open forum" (link above), or tweeting with Dr. Meyers (@doc_meyers #T4SJ #Tiles4SocialJustice). We look forward to hearing from each of you!
Once you start, let us know how it's going by sending an email ([email protected]), posting in the "open forum" (link above), or tweeting with Dr. Meyers (@doc_meyers #T4SJ #Tiles4SocialJustice). We look forward to hearing from each of you!
Inspiration for the Tiles for Social Justice Project
In 2012, Dr. Laura E. Meyers, a professor at Georgia State University, visited New York City with a group of K-12 educators. On their way to visit Ground Zero, the tour guide asked if the group would like to stop by a more informal tourist site “Tiles for America Memorial” (http://www.tilesforamerica.com/). The educators departed the bus and found a mosaic of hand-painted ceramic tiles hanging one by one on a chain-link fence. The tiles shared messages of hope, love, and support for the victims, their families, and all Americans who suffered from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. On the tiles were symbols of peace, poems, quotations, wishes, etc. Artists, teachers, families, and children – people from around the globe – came together in a unique showcase that despite the loss, peace, love, and support can conquer all.
The Tiles for America Memorial had an enormous impact on Dr. Meyers. She was intrigued by the use of creativity and compassion to spread powerful messages from various corners of the world. It was because of these collective voices, the multiple global artists and activists of The Tiles for America Memorial, that she became inspired to create the Tiles for Social Justice Project.
The Tiles for America Memorial had an enormous impact on Dr. Meyers. She was intrigued by the use of creativity and compassion to spread powerful messages from various corners of the world. It was because of these collective voices, the multiple global artists and activists of The Tiles for America Memorial, that she became inspired to create the Tiles for Social Justice Project.
What is Social Justice?
Social justice implies fairness and mutual obligation in society. It means that we are responsible for one another and that we should work to ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life. This concept is multi-faceted and impacts everyone on multiple levels, locally and globally. It can be a complex concept to share in K-12 settings, especially with young learners. However, it is an important issue to discuss, explore, and think about, and it is critical that this thinking occur in thoughtful and supportive ways.
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Purpose
The purpose of the Tiles for Social Justice Project is to provide resources, activity ideas, and opportunities to explore what social justice entails. Topics may include but are not limited to environmental issues, children’s rights, civil rights, homelessness, and gender equity. K-12 educators are encouraged to reflect on their curricula and select a topic that ties to an upcoming unit of study or select a topic that is of interest to her/his students. Then, use our resources to learn more about the topic, and review the suggested pieces of children’s literature to determine which book(s) would be a good fit for your students. After exploring the book(s) through discussions, research (as necessary), etc., students can create their own tile (ceramic, paper, cloth, etc.) to showcase a message they want to share about the selected social justice topic.
Have faith in your students. They are capable of tackling heavy conversations in caring ways. And, they are adept at passing along thoughtful messages to others. This project provides a creative way to do so, and if you opt to share your students’ tiles in a public setting (e.g., hallway, bulletin board, library), you will be aiding in sparking conversations beyond the walls of your learning community. |
If citing this website, resource, and/or project, please use:
Meyers, L. E. (2014). Tiles for Social Justice Project. Retrieved from: http://tiles4socialjustice.weebly.com/.