Chicago Teachers' Strike Day 3--Books & Sites To Explain Strikes To Kids of All Ages

Strike a Pose!   Teachers, kids and parents band together in solidarity on the first day of the Chicago Teachers' Strike    



The first day of the strike, our 9 & 11 year olds were awakened at 7:30am by a nasal voice on a computer calling to tell us school was cancelled until further notice.   Did they go back to bed and sleep in?  Nooooooooo.   They promptly pounced on us and wedged in.   I took the snuggle time to ask them what they understood about the strike and what had been been explained to them.

Our younger daughter's teacher is a union rep, and both kids had been given a pretty good overview of the main sticking points--smaller classes (not 55 per class in high school if Rahm gets his way), basic libraries, playgrounds, support staff like nurses and counselors, fair pay for longer work days, and not selling our schools to for profit charters.

Since this is a great learning opportunity and so directly impacts the kids, I wanted to make sure they knew the meaning and intent and impact of the strike and didn't just see it as an extra bonus vacation.

We've compiled resources from an on line group and our school activist parent friends on how to explain strikes and the labor movement to a variety of ages. 


All Ages:
Wear red in support of the teachers.

Rallies are happening daily until the strike is resolved at 6am and 3:30pm outside of the Board of Ed 125 S. Clark Street

Come to the picket lines and walk with teachers or bring them some snacks.
   
Honk support when you pass picket lines in the car and tell your kids why.

Our Mama friend, Sabrina says: 

In looking for resources to talk to my child about the strike, I came across several excellent websites with projects, stories, games and songs about the history of labor in America for kids of all ages:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubIWyT7nGdU
Short animated video "Brief History of Labor Unions."

http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.php?lid=745&type=educator
Excellent simple explanation of labor history geared to grades 3-5, with games, songs and activities.

http://www.cft.org/index.php/committees/309-committee-curricula.html
Extensive collection of resources including downloadable books, coloring books, puppet shows and activities for K-12.

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/labor-day/
Crafts and activities for the younger set about labor and history, with lots of stories.

http://money.howstuffworks.com/labor-union2.htm
How Labor Unions Work - a simple intro for older kids (and their parents) to how a union works.

Little Ones:

Read  Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type!   by Betsy Lewin.   

Amazon Says:
Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears
Click, clack, moo.
Click, clack, moo.
Click, clack, moo.
But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes...Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside-down! This package includes a paperback book along with a CD of country music star Randy Travis reading this New York Times bestseller!


Our Mama friend, Sarah says:   We LOVE Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type! The cows and hens go on strike (no milk! no eggs!) because Farmer Brown will not honor their request of electric blankets (it's so cold in the barn in the winter). It's hysterical, and simple, and I'd highly recommend it to all (even 2 year olds!).

Sarah also has opinions and insight on the issues:

This is the most amazing lesson in civic engagement, and political science. I want to teach my daughter about labor history, too, how little children used to have to work, etc.

Don’t forget: spread the word: the media is BASHING…and there was a LACK OF PARENTS at the two schools I went to, and the rally. PLEASE WEAR RED, and PLEASE support this strike!

REDUCE CLASS SIZE – The mayor has threatened to put as many as 55 children in one classroom!

PROVIDE SOCIAL SERVICES CHILDREN NEED – The school board refuses to hire more social workers, nurses
and other clinicians at a time when youth violence is skyrocketing.

INVEST IN ALL SCHOOLS – The school board denies funds to schools in low-income neighborhoods. Our students need equal access to high-quality learning opportunities in every neighborhood school!

SUPPORT TEACHERS AS PROFESSIONALS – The school board so far refuses to give your school’s teachers, paraprofessionals, and others a fair contract.

STOP CHARTER EXPANSIONS, turn-arounds, and school closings.


The Union leaflet says: smaller class sizes or at least enforceable limits, more social workers, counselors, nurses and school psychologists, more art/music/PE/world language teachers and playgrounds, a functioning recall policy, air conditioning and recess facilities for ALL students, an end to arbitrary school closings and appropriate supports for special education teachers and their students.

It's about way more than teachers salaries and benefits. This strike is about teachers standing up for children. I know Ash's Penny's Kindergarten currently has 36 kids! That's INSANE!!!!!! Seriously? This is SERIOUS SERIOUS SERIOUS. Rahm is BAD for children and education...not just for teachers.


Our Mama friend, Kit suggests:    For younger kids, I really like Si Se Peude Yes We Can!. and These Hands 

Mama Danielle says to check out:Animals Strike at the Zoo! It's True


Older Kids:

Our Mama friend, Kit suggests: 
For older kids, I really like Which Side Are You On?

We also played some labor songs. Ella Jenkins has a great collection of labor songs for little kids. Dan Zane's recording of "I Don't Want Your Millions Mister" is great, and of course we played "Bread and Roses" though I couldn't find a recording by a children's artist so we used Utah Phillips. 

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore Ella Jenkins and Dane Zanes and have shot both of them in concert.    Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL....early and often for strike updates--personal, political, poignant and fun.

Please feel free to add your own strike related book, song and action suggestions in the comments section below.

HELP LOCALLY: Chicago Public School Teachers' Strike Day 2 #faircontractnow #CTU

We're in the 2nd day of the Chicago Public School Teachers Strike.   Some exciting developments have been going on over here at ChiIL Mama press wise.   I was tapped to write a 1,000 word op-ed piece for CNN and also did a phone interview for Turner!   I'll know if the on line piece is picked up in the near future and will be able to run the first 150 words here with a link then.   

Since the teachers are being vilified in so many media outlets, I'm elated to be able to give voice to the teachers' side.  We'll continue to run updates on great, creative strike camp options and unbiased links for strike updates on our Facebook Page here.



Help Locally (straight from the teachers' mouths)


Hello Friends and Family-

As many of you know, the Chicago Teachers is on strike- today is our second day, and we all hope it is over soon and we can get back in the classroom so we can do what we love to do.

In solidarity, the union is asking us to ask you to WEAR RED tomorrow (WEDNESDAY).  Even if you live out-of-state, please wear red and talk to your friends and co-workers about our struggle for a fair contract.  Hopefully we can put an end to the bullying and anti-student tactics of Rahm Emanuel soon.  In my opinion, he is behaving in a manner similar to Scott Walker, the Tea Party governor of Wisconsin.  Many of their teachers were down at the rally supporting us yesterday, as their bargaining rights have been completely wiped out.

So please, WEAR RED ON WEDNESDAY, and encourage those around you to wear red in support of the Chicago teachers.  
Secondly, if you live in Chicago (and even if you don't), I am asking you to CALL THE MAYOR'S OFFICE and ask him to give the teachers what remaining concessions they are asking for in order to get the contract signed and the kids back in school.

Here's how to do it:

1. call 311
2. ask for the mayor's office
3. Tell the nice lady who answers that you are a CPS parent, (or a voting taxpayer) and you want to leave a message for the mayor regarding the         teacher's strike.
4. You want the mayor to make concessions and give the teachers the few things they are asking for that have not been resolved so the students can go back to the classroom TOMORROW!
We need to put as much pressure as possible on the mayor now so we can get back to work tomorrow.

Thank you so much for your support, and please, PLEASE distribute this email to all of your friends and family.
Paula


Petition from MoveOn.org

Sunday night, the Chicago Teachers Union announced the first Chicago teacher's strike in almost 25 years. They are fighting against school privatization, closures, and stagnant wages.

Ninety-eight of our Chicago schools don't have playgrounds, and 160 schools don't have libraries at all. Forty percent of our schools do not have full time art and music programs, and the entire system is desperately lacking support staff, including counselors and school nurses.

The chronic lack of investment in schools is bad for teachers—but it's devastating for our children.   

Sign the petition at SignOn.org to the Chicago Teachers Union which says:

I stand with the Chicago Teachers Union in their fight against school privatization, closures, and stagnant wages.

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Planned Public Marches
Solidarity rallies every day at 125 S. Clark starting at 6 AM and at 3:30 PM! Be there! #faircontractnow

CPS Strike Camp Options & Teacher Support Tees

Want more info on what the teachers want?   Check this video out.

Over here at ChiIL Mama, we still have all our fingers and toes crossed that the CPS teachers won't have to strike this coming Monday.    Our teachers are a crucial resource and are underpaid and overworked as it is!!   CodeChicago.org has great info about an elected school board.

Want to wear a t-shirt and show your support?   The T-Shirt Deli has Chicago flag t's with apples for the stars.



What to do with the kids 
in case of a strike
If you have to work away from home and need a safe, fun, educational space for your kids.   Here are our top picks:


YMCA

The McCormick Tribune YMCA will extend the Camp program on site at the YMCA
during the CPS Teacher work stoppage. Capacity is limited and we are
anticipating a high demand. ALL students enrolled in our YMCA After School
program off-site and those who participated in our Summer Camp will a have
priority registration time.   Check with your local Y for strike camp specifics.


Sharp As A Tack/ Dream Big Performing Arts

Collaboratively present a  Strike Camp In the event of a Chicago Teachers Union Strike, Source 4 Chicago, a collaboration of four of Chicago's most popular enrichment programs, will offer a week-long full day multi-disciplinary camp for children in K-6th grades at multiple locations throughout Chicago at a special weekly rate of $175.    What will my child experience in this camp?   Students enrolled in our week-long camp will rotate through four specialized classes throughout each day.  Children will have the opportunity to stretch their fine arts muscles in drama and dance with Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop and Design Dance, build cognitive thinking skills through interactive games with Sharp as a Tack as well as develop their language skills in either French or Spanish through fun games, songs and other engaging activities with Little Linguists Academy.  As students have fun exploring each of these dynamic disciplines daily, they will be creating a mini-musical and developing skills that will contribute to their end of the week original performance and sharing.  Each day will also include outdoor physical activities. Dates:  September 10-14th (Weekly and daily options available.  Strike Camp will be extended one week at a time depending on the strike schedule.) Hours:  9 am-4 pm (Before and after care are available at an additional cost between the hours of 8 am-5:30 pm)  Location:  First Free Church located at 5255 N. Ashland Ave (corner of Berwyn and Ashland Ave in Andersonville) Other locations: TBD Before Care and After Care:    Before Care 8-9 am: $10/per day After Care 4-5:30 pm: $15/per day Price:  $175 per week or $40 per day   Grades: K-6 (Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to apply to be intern assistants for the various classes we offer as well as gain experience assisting our camp director.)  In order to reserve your space and help us plan appropriately, we strongly encourage you to register early.  If there is no strike, Source 4 will promptly refund all payments.  Currently, we only have 60 spots available.  For more information and to register, visit us at www.source4chicago.com.  Please feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions at info@source4chicago.com or by calling 312.476.9055. Join us as your Source 4 learning, community, dance, language, games, drama, foreign language, creativity and... FUN! Perform! Play! Learn! Grow!

Multilingual Chicago

CPS Strike Camp – Spanish Immersion

We hope a strike will be averted, but we’re making plans for it regardless!
Pack a lunch and drop off your kindergarten through 5th grader at Multilingual Chicago for a fun and enriching week of Spanish Immersion Strike Camp!
Our engaging Spanish teachers will welcome your kids and get them speaking Spanish from the minute they walk through the door. Activities include games, art, traditional dance and music and – weather permitting – trips to Unity Park to enjoy some fresh air.
This program is designed for kids of all Spanish levels, from novice to native.
Details:

• Monday September 10-Friday September 14 (hopefully it won’t be necessary to extend to the following week, but we’ll be ready just in case!)
• Drop-off: as early as 8:30am (class starts at 9am) / Pickup: 4pm
• Price: $299 per child (10% sibiling discount – enter code MKSIB at checkout)
• Daily and half-day options available too! (daily: $60; half-day week: $150 – call/email to register)
• Location: 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite C (Logan Square / Avondale)

Limited spots available, so click here to reserve your space now! If a strike doesn’t happen, fees will be refunded.  Questions?  Just let us know!

Kids Science Labs

Special Camp Week - September 10th to September 14th

We understand some children may be out of school next week due to the CPS strike, so we have added an additional week of summer camp for 6-10 yr olds, details can be found here.  Camp will run 9am-3pm Monday-Friday and will be fantastic.   Space is limited to the first 15 children to sign up.  Cost will be $75/day or $325/week.  A $50 deposit can be made to reserve your spot (312) 846-1426.  In the event there is not a strike, this deposit can be transferred to a class session.

Journey World (Girl Scouts-open to all ages/genders)

Journey World will be providing all day programs in the event that the teachers decide to go on strike. We will plan to run the city on each day since the children absolutely LOVE working in the city and being in charge! This program can also accommodate mixed ages and a large number of children at one time. Below is a basic schedule of the day and additional details regarding registration. Please note that the program plan is subject to change.

Program Plan:

TIME	ACTIVITY
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Drop off starts at 8:45 a.m.	Sign-in and Registration on Suite 500
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.	Indoor Games Sign-in for Jobs (NOTE: Jobs will be randomly selected daily)
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	It’s Your Future – Dream It! (Run the city)
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.	Recess and Outdoor Games
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.	Fun Stations Creative Crafts Science Spills Music and Movement Reading and Word Games
3:00 p.m.	Pick-up on Suite 500
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.	After care

Program Fees:

·         Workshop fee (9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.) - $20/child/day

·         After care (3-6 p.m.) - $5/child/hour/day

·         Early drop off (starts at 8:15 a.m.) - $5/child/day

Registration Policy:

·         Daily sign-in and payment.

Additional Details:

·         Pack a sack lunch and extra snacks each day.

·         Journey World provides snacks throughout the day.

Time Out Chicago Kids also adds the following options:


If you're a parent of a kid in Chicago Public Schools, you're probably scrambling right now, trying to figure out where to send your child next week, should the teachers go on strike. The district has set up a website with information on its "Children First" program, which will keep 144 schools open for kids to receive meals and supervision. But schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said there would be no instruction at these schools, and admitted that they were options mostly for parents who could not afford other care arrangements. The district has also released a list of "safe haven" sites, essentially a selection of churches who willl open their doors to strike-stranded kids. If you're looking to make plans, here's a rundown of various art centers and schools offering full-day programs for kids. We'll keep adding to the list as we hear of more, so check back.

• Voice of the City, a local arts organization, will offer a week-long arts camp for children grades K to 8th in case of a CPS strike. The classes will be at the Hairpin Arts Center, 2800 N Milwaukee Avenue, in Logan Square. Classes are $175 for the week, or $45 for a day, and run from 8am–4pm. Call 312-576-7236 or visit voiceofthecity.org.
• If your kid's more of an athlete, BASH Sports Academy, 2617 W Fletcher St, will run a baseball drills camp while school is out for kids ages 7 to 12. It will run you $50 for a half-day from 9am to noon, or $65 for a full day from 9am to 3pm. Call 773-682-5549 or 773-588-2274 for more information.
• The Neuro Kitchen Art Collective will hold a "curiosity club" strike camp that encourages kids to design their own schools. The camp will meet at the Prop Thtr, 3502 N Elston Ave, and will run you $200 for the week or $40 per day. 
• Registration has already begun for strike camps at Wishcraft Workshop, 2312 W Roscoe St. Slots will be available from 9am to 2pm, or 9am to 6pm, and will cost $50 a day for 9am-2pm, and $25 for afternoon care. Here's all of the info, including how to contact the workshop now to get on the list.