Educate and Celebrate

Get Inspired: Brown Books and Paint Brushes

Celebrate Teachers. Every day, teachers are working hard to help us learn new skills, discover our passions, and grow into the best versions of ourselves. We're inviting your family to honor the teachers and educators in your lives. Check out this video about Brown Books and Paint Brushes, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to empowering youth through arts, culture, and literacy education.

A round of applause for our teachers! We're celebrating all that educators do to help us grow. From learning about the lifecycle of our environment, to our city's cultural history, teachers open our eyes to the world around us. Take some time to honor a teacher in your life today!

Let’s Talk

After watching the video about Brown Books and Paint Brushes, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• What do you find interesting about the work of Brown Books and Paint Brushes?

• Do you think it’s important to learn about your culture and heritage? Who in your life has helped you learn about your culture?

• How do your teachers use creativity to inspire you? Share a time when a teacher has made a difference in your life.

• Bonus! Toni Morrison, an award-winning Black female writer, is quoted as saying, "What can I do where I am?" Today, think about how you can show appreciation for teachers from where you are.

Do Something: Spread Gratitude

Thank a teacher. Teachers dedicate their lives to building our knowledge base, sparking curiosity, and helping us develop our passions. Take time today to thank your teachers. Get out your art supplies and get creative.

How have teachers impacted you? Let teachers know that you appreciate the work they do. Send a message to a teacher you currently have or a teacher you had in the past who has made an impact in your life. Share a personal story, a memory from the classroom, or a new passion you have that you learned about in class. You can draw a picture, write a letter, or send a video to your teacher thanking them for all they do. Email your thank you notes and pictures to a teacher in your life today!

Community Connections: CCRx

Gather all your old school supplies! Chicago teachers report spending $500 to $2,000 out-of-pocket every year for basic school supplies like paper, pencils, and cleaning supplies. Your family can help teachers get ready to head back to school by cleaning out your craft supplies and home office.

The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange accepts surplus educational supplies to support teachers and classrooms across the city. Check out their list of Most Wanted Items below to see if you have any of these items around your house.

Work together as a family. Take it one drawer at a time. Make sure all donated items are clean and in good condition. Everyone has a job to do! Play music, and make it a game or competition. Who can sort the most crayons?

Visit their website for more information about how to pack up your donation of supplies and schedule a drop-off.