JEN CULLERTON JOHNSON
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Connects make it all happen.
I'm lucky to meet so many people on my journey. The wisdom and the shared experiences make a better world. Everyone is welcome here.

Thank You for keeping connected with me! If you would like to collaborate and be on
Connnects, email me. 
                                                                                        All the best,
                                                                                           Jen
                                                                                         
JEN

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Unlocking the Power of Picture Books: How Empathy and Social Justice Literacy Inspire Child Development

3/14/2023

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​By Jen Cullerton Johnson

As a children’s book writer, educator and founder of Books on Benches, a non for profit that brings children’s books into Family Court waiting areas and related spaces such as judges’ chambers, lawyers' offices and community legal centers, I have witnessed the impact that picture books can have on children. Picture books are more than just a way to entertain children; they are crucial in promoting literacy, empathy and n early childhood. 

Picture books are a powerful tool for promoting literacy and social justice in early childhood. Parents and educators can help children develop their critical thinking skills and understanding of social justice issues by choosing books that promote diversity, inclusion, and empathy. Picture books also promote empathy and understanding, essential for creating a more just and equitable society. 

Significance of Picture Books in Child Development
Picture books are an essential part of early childhood development. They introduce children to the world of language and help them develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Picture books also foster a love of reading and can spark a lifelong passion for learning. But picture books do more than just teach children how to read. They also promote empathy and understanding by exposing children to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.

Role of Picture Books in Promoting Literacy and Empathy
Picture books help promote literacy and empathy in early childhood. They expose children to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives and help them develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Picture books also promote empathy by helping children understand and relate to the experiences of others. Children can develop empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds by reading picture books.

Strategies for Using Picture Books to Teach Literacy and 
Social Justice
There are many strategies that parents and educators can use to teach literacy and social justice using picture books. One strategy is to choose books that promote diversity, inclusion, and empathy. By exposing children to different cultures and experiences, we can help them develop a sense of empathy and understanding for people who are different from themselves. Another strategy is to use picture books to spark discussions about social justice issues. By asking questions and encouraging children to think critically, we can help them develop their critical thinking skills and understanding of social justice issues.



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Daily Creative Writing for Thriving Communities WEBINAR 11/16

10/29/2022

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Trinational Conference in Oaxaca, Mexico

10/29/2022

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A delegation of teachers from the Chicago Teachers Union traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, to be part of the Trinational Conference on Defending Public Education. The Trinational Conference highlights issues facing teachers' unions in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A significant pre-event included visiting preschools, elementary schools, and high schools,  where teachers observed how students helped co-create the curriculum in their schools. Participants engaged in community building, teacher autonomy, indigenous rights privatization during the conference, and much more.
One CTU teacher member, Elise Knaub, said of the trip,”It was striking to see similarities between the three countries in our fight to defend public education. Coming back, I realize here in Chicago, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Interested in learning more? Check out Dan Leahy’s article "A Brief History of the Trinational Coalition"

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Meet John Waweru

9/10/2022

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I met an amazing man named John Waweru in Nairobi. Big heart. Lion”s share of Brains. And someone who understands that no matter where you go in life you must remember where you came from. Along with his friends, John helps girls in the slums of Nairobi. Food. Shelter. Clothes. Education. All this and still each day he cares for his own family and works long hours at a different job. It’s men like John that should make us all realize how blessed we are to have dedicated people helping girls grow strong. I’ve been working on a short video for him but if you are interested in helping girls grow in the slums of Nairobi, message me and I will put you in contact with John
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CCRx Chicago's Finest Reuse Warehouse Digital Storytelling

8/7/2022

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First Draft Coaching: Sign Up. Spaces Selling Out.

8/3/2022

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Write In Monday Nights 5- 6:30 On Zoom

7/17/2022

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Get it DONE!
Write with us.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2881263674


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Journey With Me

7/17/2022

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Arrival In Nairobi, Kenya

6/22/2022

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Day 1: Arrival In Nairobi, Kenya

The day finally came and with Fernando, my husband helping me get the luggage into the car, we headed off to O’Hare airport in Chicago. After a long flight from Chicago to Amsterdam then Amsterdam to Nairobi with a layover in between, I finally arrived in Nairobi. The whole journey to reach Nairobi started at 1 pm Chicago time on Saturday and ended at 2 am Nairboi time Sunday! I wasn’t tired a bit-- how could I be? I WAS IN KENYA!!

After a jaunt through Kenyan customs, I exited the airport and saw the Green Belt Movement members, John and Dansai, holding a sign welcoming me. John, a dedicated and knowledgeable man is the director of tree planting for the organization, and Danis, a strong, and funny man who was Wnagari Maathau’s former driver. Both of them entertained me with stories about planting trees and memories of Wangari Maathai while we waited for another member of our group to be arriving from Doha.

With John and Danis’ help, we found another person in our group and then headed off to where we would stay for the next 2 days at Cycads suites, which is in a suburb of Nairobi close to the Green Belt Movement Center.  A cycad is a type of palm tree, and this hotel had several mature ones on its grounds. Although it was in the dead of night, I looked outside the car window and saw Nairobi pass by. My first impression was that even at this late hour, the whole city is filled with green, lush vegetation-- everywhere! 

Even though when I arrived at Cycads suites way past 3 am in the morning,  Al our guide and leader of our educational trip, greeted us as if it wasn’t in the middle of the night. “Try to get a couple of hours of sleep. Tomorrow, we head off to the Green Belt Movement Center! Breakfast is at 7:30,” he said.

We said goodnight and  I entered my suite, there was a small kitchenette where the hotel staff left me Kenyan tea and coffee. The bedroom had was immaculate and the bathroom a warm shower.

A couple of messages through WhatApp later, I took a long shower and then crawled into bed, happy and blessed. Before I fell asleep, I thought about how grateful to be on this journey to Kenya, to be walking in the footsteps of one of my heroes, Wangari Maathai. 

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Thank You, Avoca Elementary School & Jack Rosenthal

6/18/2022

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