Episode 5 of The Stories Symbols Tell: an ancient tree loses his branch, and a tiny seedling helps him discover that his stories can still help others grow. Watch the video inspired by Sankofa, plus discussion questions.

This week: the 1775 proclamation that offered freedom to some enslaved Virginians, the fine print that limited it, and the people who decided to go anyway. Plus a warm-up from Frederick Douglass.

Two gentle, illustrated lessons about difficult feelings, asking for support, and choosing one manageable next step. Free printables for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

This week: Paul Revere's 1770 engraving of the Boston Massacre, and the man it names but doesn't show. Plus a 10-minute warm-up from Carter G. Woodson.

Explore what makes a decision fair with two classroom stories, thoughtful questions, and free printable activities for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

Help children ask for reasons, handle pressure to agree, and learn from others. Free illustrated readings and activities for ages 5-7 and 8-10.

Look beyond the frame with a teddy-bear picture mystery. Free illustrated printables for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

Explore a wooden mystery object and learn to ask clear, thoughtful questions. Free illustrated printables for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

Explore repeated trials and fair comparisons with a paper-airplane mystery. Free illustrated printables for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

A free illustrated lesson about viewpoints, careful listening, facts, and preferences. Includes printable PDFs for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

Free critical thinking printables for ages 5–7 and 8–10. Explore a plant mystery, ask questions, check evidence, and try hands-on activities.

How can a group make a choice and still listen to everyone? Explore voting, reasons, and fair processes with free civics printables for ages 5-7 and 8-10.

Who helps care for the places we share? Explore government and community decisions with illustrated readings and free printable activities for ages 5-7 and 8-10.

What is a bill—and why isn’t it a law yet? Free illustrated civics readings and activities for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

What makes a rule a law? Explore rules, laws, and fairness with free illustrated civics printables and activities for ages 5–7 and 8–10.

"I Am Gullah, I Do Not Fade" is a poem written and spoken in Gullah. It's now a complete poetry and history lesson for grades 9–12, with my video reading set to my artwork Geechee Girl.

"No Sun Here" is a persona poem in the voice of an African captive in the hold of a slave ship. It's now a complete poetry and history lesson for grades 9–12, with my video reading.

Episode 3 of The Stories Symbols Tell: a little bird, a forgotten song and a storm that leads her home. Watch the video inspired by Sankofa, plus discussion questions and a lesson plan for grades 2–4.

Three one-minute songs about Black inventors Garrett Morgan, Lonnie Johnson and Marie Van Brittan Brown, each asking "Who made this?" and "How do we know?" Watch all three, plus discussion questions and K–3 teacher packets.

Episode 2 of The Stories Symbols Tell: two crocodiles, one river and a rope that can't hold back a storm. Watch the video inspired by Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu, plus discussion questions and a lesson plan for grades 2–4.