Blogs The history of slavery is a painful and significant chapter in United States history that has shaped the nation’s identity. As we strive for a more just and equitable future, it is crucial to teach this history in schools. By educating our students about the realities of slavery and the experiences of enslaved people, we empower them with the knowledge and empathy necessary to understand the complex social dynamics that have shaped our world, while fostering empathy and critical thinking skills.
Discussions about slavery can be uncomfortable and challenging, but with the right resources you can have a guideline for facilitating these difficult conversations in the classroom. Check out the following hard history resources from Teaching Channel continuing education course 5608: Teaching and Learning about the History of Slavery in the U.S. to empower your students’ discussion.
- “A Care Plan for Teaching Honest History and Difficult Conversations,” from Learning for Justice
- “Teaching the Hard History of American Slavery,” from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
- “‘Teaching Hard History’ Podcast Helps Educators Discuss History and Race,” from the Southern Poverty Law Center
- “Shared Inquiry and Critical Conversations,” from Learning for Justice
- “Podcast Series-Teaching Hard History-American Slavery,” from CHConline
- “Teaching Hard History Podcast,” from Learning for Justice
- “Teaching Juneteenth: A History Lesson in Slavery and Freedom,” from UC Santa Barbara
- Lesson Plans about Teaching the History of Slavery from Learning for Justice
- Slavery and the Making of America-Lesson Plans from Thirteen at PBS
Teaching our children, and ourselves, about the past is a crucial step in healing the nation and working toward justice. That’s why Teaching Channel offers graduate-level continuing education courses that go beyond learning about historical facts and events. Course 5608: Teaching and Learning about the History of Slavery in the U.S. delves into the “revolts, rebellions, and rebels,” who fought for abolition, and grapples with how the history of slavery contributes to systemic inequalities in present-day America.
Yearning to learn more? Teaching Channel has additional courses that address similar topics!
5233: The Legacy of Racial Injustice
5128: Creating an Anti-Racist Classroom
5605: Exploring the Civil War Through People, Photography, and Present Day Perspectives
