Pre-kindergarteners Celebrate Black History Month with Songs

Pre-kindergarteners of all ages enjoyed a live Zoom singalong with Barbara James, a local award-winning scientist, to celebrate Black History Month in late February. James invited students to sing and dance to a variety of songs, including “This Train is Bound for Freedom,” “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” and “This Little Light of Mine.” James also sang songs celebrating George Washington Carver and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Pre-kindergarten for 2-year-olds teacher Julie Brackett said James visits the class in-person during a normal school year and shows students dances and games that go with the music. “This year, because of Zoom, we danced more independently of each other to the music and we invited kindergarten to join us on our video calls,” Brackett said. “The students love to dance and often Ms. Barbara invites them to play instruments along with the music.” Brackett said students’ favorite song James plays is “Wade in the Water,” which was used by abolitionist Harriet Tubman. “Our hope is to give the children an opportunity to appreciate music along with compassion, love, and diversity,” Brackett said.