As educators, it is essential to emphasize the importance of strong and relatable role models to our students. One such influential figure is Jada Smith, an actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur. This article aims to provide teachers with some guidance and ideas for teaching their students about Jada Smith’s life and career, highlighting her accomplishments and the values she embodies.
Early Life and Career:
Jada Pinkett Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 18, 1971. Exposing students to her background will help them understand the hardships she faced during her childhood. Despite being raised by a single mother who struggled with drug addiction, Jada managed to excel in her education and eventually attended the elite Baltimore School for the Arts.
Teachers can use Jada’s journey to motivate students and emphasize that one’s personal circumstances do not determine one’s future success. Here are some key aspects of her early life to discuss:
1. Her interest in performing arts began at a young age.
2. She met actor Tupac Shakur at Baltimore School for the Arts while they were both studying acting, music, and dance.
3. She moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s to pursue a career in acting.
Career Achievements:
Jada Smith’s successful career spans more than three decades, with numerous accomplishments in film, television, business ventures, writing books, and even starting a metal band called “Wicked Wisdom.” Some notable highlights to share with your students include:
1. Her roles in notable films such as “The Nutty Professor,” “Ali,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “The Matrix Revolutions,” and “Girls Trip.”
2. Being part of the voice cast for the animated film franchise “Madagascar.”
3. Her talk show “Red Table Talk” on Facebook Watch, where she discusses various social and emotional topics with her family members.
Values and Philanthropy:
Jada Smith’s personal values and philanthropic work can serve as inspiration for students. Some of the key principles that she embodies include:
1. Persistence – Despite her difficult upbringing, Jada has worked tirelessly to achieve success in the entertainment industry.
2. Versatility – Her accomplishments in various fields such as acting, producing, writing, and music demonstrate the importance of exploring one’s talents and interests.
3. Family values – Jada strongly focuses on maintaining a close relationship with her family members, which teachers can use as an example for discussing the importance of strong family bonds and support systems.
4. Philanthropy – She co-founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation (WJSFF), which works towards improving lives through education, arts access, and empowerment-supporting initiatives.
Conclusion:
Jada Smith is an inspiring figure whose accomplishments offer valuable lessons for students. Her determination, persistence, creativity, and commitment to giving back to society can motivate young people to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. By incorporating Jada’s story into your teachings, you can help nurture well-rounded individuals who are ready to excel in every facet of their lives.
