How to Teach About African American History
In a multicultural nation, it's important to teach about the history of all people, including African American history, which isn't always present in the history textbooks. Teaching the past can help students to learn how not to make the same mistakes in the future. It also gives a framework for the current struggles of African Americans. When teaching Black history, be sure to explain the context of the situations and allow students to discuss the implications. Be sure to use age-appropriate language and resources to teach.
Instructions
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Tell the story of regular African Americans from history in addition to the more famous ones. History books can be dry and boring. When you tell the story of what life was like for the average person, students can get a better idea of Black history. For example, teach about what a slave's day may have been like or how segregation might affect someone's day-to-day life.
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Incorporate literature into your lesson plans. Literature can bring the issues surrounding African-American history to life. Picture books can present complex issues in a way that young children can understand. Memoirs and autobiographies can give older students a more thorough knowledge. High school students may be able to handle some of the more difficult aspects of black history, such as the rape of black slave women by their masters or the lynching of black people.
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Use national educational resources to find historical pictures, films and newspaper articles. Real life pictures, documentaries and newspapers can lend a dose of reality. For example, students can hear first hand what it was like for black students to start attending integrated schools.
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Expand on African-American history with lessons on oppression and discrimination. Even young students can start to understand that oppression and discrimination is wrong. Role play activities where students face discrimination or witness racism. Give students techniques for dealing with these issues in their day-to-day lives. Older students may enjoy doing deeper with issues of racism. Portrayal of the races in movies is an interesting way to illustrate this. Note how black men are often criminals or black women are often loud and bossy. Compare this with the portrayals of other races--Asian women are submissive and Hispanic men are macho. Be sure that these stereotypes are not real life.
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Teach African-American history year-round--not just during Black History Month. Remember to bring up points about black history as you teach various units. If important aspects of the history are not included in your textbook, use additional resources.
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