In Their Own Words: African American Speeches that Made History
What's included
4 live meetings
2 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
Optional: Students may reread the speeches, if you like.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Black History Month Club for Young Learners: While there are many ways to study Black history, the best to study the history of people is to see circumstances through their eyes, or to hear the story in their own words. In this class we will read, listen, and discuss speeches of influential African Americans, while also studying the historic backdrop of the speeches. All are invited to join us for Black history month as we learn about the contributions of Black Americans through their speeches. It is virtually impossible to do a complete review of African American history in just a few weeks. It is hoped these speeches will familiarize learners with some of the general tenets of the African American struggle. The speeches span from early colonial America to contemporary times, and address a wide variety of mindsets, issues, and viewpoints. Each week we will begin with a black history, fun fact, or interesting story such as Frederick Douglas’s White House conversation with President Abraham Lincoln, after being denied the opportunity to speak to the President, because “negroes” were not allowed to address the President of the United States. The sessions will be also be interactive. Learners will share their thoughts on the speeches and stories through writing prompts. Some of the audio or reenactments of the speeches may be used so that learners get a full grasp of the orations. Learners will also survey how speeches are written and rhetoric devices used in influential speeches. As an African American homeschooling mom, I have shared my fun facts and stories with many kids over the years. It is hoped learners of all races and cultures will come together for a time of celebration and appreciation of African American culture, history, and achievements. Weekly Learning Activities for weeks 1-4: • African American history fun fact: • Brief background of weekly speeches • Presentation of speeches • Wring prompt relating to basic concepts of fairness and equality. • Review of main ideas of the speeches Speeches include Sojourner Truth, Pres. Barack Obama, Shirley Chisholm, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Mary Church-Terrell, Frederick Douglas, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Tim Scott, Barbara Jordan, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael, Jessie Jackson, Anita Hill, Medgar Evers, and John Lewis The creator of the class is the editor of "25 African American Speeches that Changed America" The speeches in the book will be cited.
Learning Goals
In this class we will look at the words of prominent African American leaders—both men and women-- through the study of historic speeches. Students will learn about these prominent individuals and how speeches are written.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The speeches chosen are historic speeches widely available to children and adults. Learning history through reading speeches is a fun and relevant way to excite young learners.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
This class will be lively with discussion of ideas in the speeches. As an African American mom and lover of Black history I guarantee your child will grow in their appreciation of all history. I was also the editor of a book on African- American speeches. The book is called "25 African American Speeches that Changed America'. These speeches will be cited in the class.
Carter is a busy homeschooling mother (of five), author, speaker and a college professor with a passion to help others. Besides teaching, she has written broadly on spiritual growth, education, special needs and cultural education. She is the author of several books including Organize Your Life, Essential Writing Skills for the College Bound Student, Inspire the Writer in Your Child and Organize Your AD/HD Child. In addition to writing fiction and poetry in her spare time, she blogs regularly on issues of clarity in written communication, college admissions and the Christian family. She has a BA in English, a MFA in Writing and has done graduate study in Special Education and College Admission. Active in her local homeschool group, she has taught college-prep coop classes for several years. She has also written numerous literary guides and won academic awards for her writing. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Hebrew, German, Czech and Polish. Carter's curriculum and writing classes focus on equipping students with the vital skills for lifetime communication success. Her curriculum and classes are marked by a sense of depth, yet simplicity that nurture a love of writing in students.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$135
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
40 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
8-12 learners per class