5 to 10 Year-Old Black History From a Decolonized Perspective

This is the class for younger or more sensitive learners. 
Please see the older version for 9 to 14-year-olds here:
https://outschool.com/classes/black-history-from-a-decolonized-perspective-q80Yvvum?sectionUid=478e7a1e-2f48-422f-a00a-7d18c752a83f

This African American studies course is designed to develop an understanding of the causes, character, and consequences of the African American experience and its influence on the world, the United States, and the African American community. Beginning with a historical, geographical, social, political, economic, and cultural understanding of the African continent, the course will provide a descriptive and corrective overview that will introduce the student to the study of the African and African American experiences.

Why start here? Most Eurocentric curricula begin African American history with their enslavement, completely leaving out the rich cultural history many Africans had in their own societies. By teaching students about history pre-slavery, you build deeper respect and self-confidence in black children who learn this early. 

Here is the week class topic. Each class will cover 
History of the area we are discussing
geography of areas we are discussing or birthplace and early years of people we discuss
social issues surrounding the topics discussed
Key events 

 1	Ancient African Ruler focus: Mansa Musa and Mali 

 2     African Kingdom Focus: City of Great Zimbabwe (Ancient Architectural Ruins) and Ancient Kush

3	The Abolitionists: Key People Focus - Harriet Tubman 

4	Our Arts & Cultural Contributions to the World: Key Event The Harlem Rennaissance

5	Our Science and Math Contributions of African Americans to the World: Key Person Focus - Benjamin Banneker

6	Youth Activism and Black Lives Matter

Courses taken to provide experience for weeks 1 and 2 are as follows:
I have also completed a course using the textbook Classical Africa by Dr. Asante 
Read the entire textbook called Journey of Liberation by Dr. Asante

I have also completed this course: Unit 1: Ancient Africa - The Cradle of Civilization 
from  Education for Life Academy: Where Black History Lives (This course is highly regarded and respected among the African American Historian Community) 

As well as learned all the content in the African Studies Institute from the University of Florida found here https://africa.ufl.edu/outreach/teachers-institute/ (This is a course for teachers offered in the Summer in Florida each year and speaks highly of African Empires)



Books I have read as well:
The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa
The Negro in Ancient History
The Story of the World
A Child's Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country
When The World Was Black: The Untold Story of the World's First Civilizations, Part 2 - Ancient Civilizations
The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors

I have also taught Black History starting with Ancient Africa  to Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School students over my 10 years as an educator. I have a Master's Degree in School Counseling  and can teach up to 12th grade. I am certified in  Elementary Education, Guidance and Counseling, and Special Education. My undergraduate degree is in Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. 

The sources used in class need to come from widely respected scholars/professionals in the field including Darlene Clark Hine, William Hine, and Lisbeth Grant-Britton, and Dr. Molefi Kete Asante  (All African American Educators and well respected authors, writers, and leaders in their fields)

All resources and articles used are written by highly respected black authors and leaders in their fields and are widely regarded as the best options when comes to teaching history from a decolonized perspective. 

All of the resources used to discuss racism and discrimination as African Americans have experienced this since slavery began in America. They are objective resources and state historically accurate facts of the issues surrounding the topics of slavery, discrimination, and racism against marginalized groups but still in a historically accurate and developmentally appropriate manner. 


For resources dealing with racism and discrimination, a gentle approach is used and age-appropriate for the student's developmental level. Some great resources that discuss how to talk to children about racism are https://www.tolerance.org, https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism, and finally https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/how-should-i-talk-about-race-in-my-mostly-white-classroom.
The resources address racism in an objective and age-appropriate manner. 

This class is structured to promote engagement, curiosity, and creative thinking among learners. We will use slides, videos, discussions, and games to interact with our learners. 

My teaching style is very laid back, but I also like to encourage learners to participate. I like to be sure all of our students have a chance to speak. 
Here is the typical class structure
15 minutes of discussion and minilesson
10 minutes of hands-on activities 
5 minutes to wrap up 

We do a lot of discussion in my classes. Oral discussion is a research-backed way to help students build comprehension skills as well as develop and helping to retain information. I ask a lot of questions and may call on students to help build rapport and confidence. I encourage participation but am sure to be positive and kind when giving feedback. 

Teacher Expertise:
During undergrad and graduate school, I took the following courses which make me qualified to teach this subject. Teachers have a degree connected to the topic they are teaching or additional training/education related to the topic. 

Intro to the Study of History 
African-American History to include a decolonized perspective beginning in Ancient Africa
World History 
American History 

I am a Florida certified guidance counselor with a Master's in School Counseling. My graduate degree required classes on issues of cultural inclusion, race, and diversity. I have also taught anti-racism during my time as a school counselor in public schools. 
Specifically, I had to take:
Counseling Theories and Applications
Cultural Diversity and Advocacy
Mental Health in Schools
Counseling Children and Adolescents		 


Teacher Experience:
During my college courses and afterward I have also had to study the following books
Through Our Own Eyes: A Journey into African American History by Joseph Edelin M.Ed.
African American History: A Journey of Liberation by Dr. Asante 
They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima
Black Indians: A Hidden History by William Lorenz Katz 
A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
I have also completed a course using the textbook Classical Africa by Dr. Asante 
The Willie Lynch Letter and the Making of A Slave


I have also completed this course: Unit 1: Ancient Africa - The Cradle of Civilization 
from  Education for Life Academy: Where Black History Lives 
As well as learned all the content in the African Studies Institute from the University of Florida found here https://africa.ufl.edu/outreach/teachers-institute/


Rules of Engagement
During class, we will establish or review ground rules for the respectful discussion of political dialogue in class. We emphasize that the goal of the work in this lesson is to increase understanding and that hateful or derogatory speech of any sort is not acceptable. We remind students that a piece of art does not owe readers consideration of every perspective; its responsibility is to present its perspective. Readers, however, can and should bring multiple perspectives to interpreting the work as long as their perspectives are grounded in facts and are presented respectfully.

Regarding Homework:
We will go over homework during class time and will not check it outside or respond outside of class hours. Please upload it to the classroom before your class start time so we can view it together as a class. 

Students do not need any previous experience to take this class.