Little Ike Story Time: Building a Foundation

During the spring 2021 semester, IKEducation launched a new early education program, Little Ike Story Time. Our experienced elementary IKEducators visit Kindergarten - 2nd grade classrooms in-person or virtually to read a book, play, and create with students. Each program teaches a grade appropriate lesson that connects to Dwight D. Eisenhower (who was nicknamed “Little Ike” in his childhood — his brother, Edgar, was called “Big Ike”). Our February book was The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. A primary concern for elementary students is that everyone be treated equally. They are quick to alert others with a cry of “It’s not fair!” The Eisenhower Era marked the beginning of the modern civil rights movement and a growing federal commitment to the cause of civil rights. Our youngest students understand that discrimination based on skin color is not fair. This book asks students to go beyond black and white and take a closer look at all shades of skin by using Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons and familiar description words. All colors are celebrated, and all are beautiful. This lesson provides children with a foundation for future lessons of our country’s difficult past and present struggles with civil rights. Teachers and parents can check out each month’s book and register for a program at www.EisenhowerFoundation.net/ikeducation.