What to Teach This Month: December

Time moves fast in the classroom, and going from August to December often feels like a blur. Burnout is real, and yet here we are again! At Share My Lesson, we’re already gearing up for our annual Virtual Conference in March (mark your calendars for 2025!), but even we’re counting the days to our own holiday break. That said, what we do in an office is nothing compared to the heroic efforts teachers, paraprofessionals, professors, and school staff put into keeping students engaged—even when TikTok is calling their name.

December also shines a spotlight on Computer Science Education Week, offering the perfect chance to spark students’ interest with engaging, hands-on activities that nurture coding, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. It’s an exciting opportunity to weave technology and creativity into your lessons while showcasing the transformative power of computer science. And, as you’d expect, Share My Lesson has everything you need—from computer science and digital literacy resources to insights on AI and its role in education!

Given the challenges of this time of year, don’t forget that we offer a variety of mental health and wellness resources to help you recharge or find inspiration as you power through the finish line of the first semester.

Whether you’re looking for winter holiday lesson plans, engaging activities for Computer Science Education Week, or time-saving ideas to make your December smoother, we’ve got you covered. Let’s finish this semester strong—and then dive into that much-deserved break!

Rosa Parks Day

Rosa Parks, an African American civil rights activist, gained prominence for her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly for her act of defiance on Dec. 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Ala. Her refusal to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger catalyzed the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a significant event in the struggle for racial equality. Collaborating with influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Parks significantly contributed to the movement's momentum. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with several prestigious awards, including the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. Posthumously, her legacy was further cemented with a statue in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall, symbolizing her enduring impact on American history and civil rights.

Legacy of the Monroe Doctrine

Proclaimed by President James Monroe on Dec. 2, 1823, the Monroe Doctrine has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for nearly two centuries. It declared any external intervention in the Americas as a threat to the United States, establishing the groundwork for American imperialism and influence in the Western Hemisphere. However, it also left a colonial legacy, as the U.S. often leveraged the doctrine to justify interventions that prioritized its own interests over the sovereignty of Latin American nations. This doctrine not only marked the rise of the U.S. as a regional power but also shaped its approach to international intervention and dominance. Understanding the Monroe Doctrine is essential for students, providing insights into the historical and ongoing complexities of American foreign policy.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on Dec. 3, serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, equity and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This day is not only a call for action toward creating a more inclusive society but also a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse contributions and experiences of people with disabilities. Teaching preK-12 students about the importance of empathy and accepting people of all backgrounds is crucial in fostering an inclusive mindset from a young age. When young learners are exposed to the concepts of diversity and inclusion, they develop a deeper understanding and respect for people who may have different abilities or challenges.

Boston Tea Party

The 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party recently reminded us of the enduring significance of this pivotal moment in American history. On Dec. 16, 1773, American colonists, outraged by taxation without representation, boldly dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor. This audacious act of defiance escalated tensions that ultimately ignited the American Revolution.

Reflecting on the Boston Tea Party today is as important as ever. It underscores the power of civic action and protest in driving political change and offers students a deeper understanding of the principles of democracy, the fight for representation, and the lasting impact of collective action on shaping our nation’s history.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The landmark 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlighted a pivotal moment in the global journey toward safeguarding human rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948—Human Rights Day—the UDHR established fundamental rights and freedoms to be universally protected.

Reflecting on the UDHR today is vital for fostering students’ understanding of human rights, the progress and struggles in their protection, and the ongoing challenges faced worldwide. This anniversary serves as a reminder to inspire young minds to embrace the principles of equality, respect, and justice, empowering them to become empathetic global citizens committed to upholding these values in an ever-changing world.

Clara Barton

Are your students studying the Civil War? Have they heard of Clara Barton, born Dec. 25, 1821? In a period dominated by male narratives, Barton's role as a nurse, humanitarian and founder of the American Red Cross challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing the vital role women played in wartime—and in America in the 1800s. Bonus facts: Did you know Barton opened one of the first free public schools in New Jersey, and that she was one of the first women to work for the federal government in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C., before the Civil War? By teaching about Barton and her contemporaries, educators can provide a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of American history, emphasizing the diverse figures who shaped it. This approach not only honors their contributions but also inspires future generations to recognize and value the impact of women in history.