Rose, Thorn, Bud
The Rose, Thorn, Bud exercise increases students' self-awareness as they reflect on recent successes, challenges, and opportunities.
![A bush of blooming red roses.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/bloomingredroses_FH2174430.jpg?h=790be497&itok=Bi-7cuYn)
Fist to Five
Students communicate how they are feeling in response to a chosen prompt, giving teachers a pulse on the class’s opinions or well-being.
![A person holding a rectangular white photo frame near a body of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/personholdingwhitephotoframe_FH2174431.jpg?h=85ee10f1&itok=FI7scKNp)
First Chapter Fridays
Read aloud a chapter of a book your students are interested in to build community around stories and storytelling.
![Person sitting on the floor while holding a book.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingbook_2017_FH2174436_teaser.jpeg?h=84071268&itok=8vuJsWXh)
Compass Points
Students get an opportunity to give feedback about the class and communicate their needs and worries.
![A person holds a compass in their hand with the ocean in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingblackandwhitecompass_FH2174435_teaser.jpeg?h=5dfb68b6&itok=-Xaib-Ey)
bell hooks Taught Us to Transgress
Like many people of my generation who cut their teeth on the critical insights of bell hooks, news of her passing in December unleashed a wave of reflection for me about the ways she’s impacted me as a person and public scholar. Beyond the many moments of resonance I experienced while reading her writings over the years, her impact on me is most powerfully encapsulated in an experience I had in 2008 when I met her.
![bell hooks standing on stage and speaking while holding a microphone.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/bellhooks.jpeg?itok=jpRETw0k)
Exit Cards
Students share how they are feeling, what their needs are, and what goals they’d like to set in an exit card.
![A person holds a glass door open with a backpack over one shoulder.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/manholdingglassdoor_2017_FH2174434.jpg?h=d8832164&itok=qp7RoHxk)
Deep Dive into Black History: 12 Events + Resources for Educators
Below is a curated list of classroom resources and educator-relevant events available from Facing History’s peer and partner organizations across the education space this month and beyond.
![Black Soldier Reading on Truck photo in b&w](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/black_soldier_reading_on_truck_b%26w_photo.png?h=a6c55029&itok=LH_UL_Yi)
What’s In a Name?
Students explore the relationship between our names, identities, and the societies in which we live.
![A pile of "Hello my name is" nametags and sharpie markers sit on top of a desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/nametags_2018_FH2174433.jpg?h=881f65d3&itok=7hpJX7aW)
Frame a Special Item
Students identify an object that holds special meaning and learn about each other by sharing the stories of these special items.
![A person holding a rectangular white photo frame near a body of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/personholdingwhitephotoframe_FH2174431.jpg?h=85ee10f1&itok=FI7scKNp)
Envisioning Our Classroom Space
Students analyze a poem in order to determine the qualities of a classroom community where members are seen, valued, and heard.
![Two students look at each other in conversation. One student is also taking notes.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomEvent_2018_%20FH287178.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=CX7H4ckw)