El Mes de la Historia Afroamericana: una celebración del legado y la fortaleza

“Legacy and Strength: A Journey Through American History” is a dynamic, engaging course designed for students in grades three through five to explore American history through the perspective of enslaved African Americans and their descendants. Through this course, students will dive deep into historical events, cultural contributions, and resilient figures who have shaped our nation’s past and present.

What will be taught? Students will learn about pivotal figures, events, and movements in American history, including Frederick Douglass, the Underground Railroad, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern-day activism. Each lesson combines essential historical knowledge with creative activities and interactive discussions to make learning memorable and impactful.

Topics Covered: Our course will explore themes of resilience, cultural expression, and social justice, covering topics such as:

The Underground Railroad and the journey to freedom
Contributions of Frederick Douglass and other powerful voices in advocacy
The Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance
Key moments in the Civil Rights Movement
The importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
The role of African American music, art, and family traditions in American culture
Class Structure: Each class session follows a structured flow to maximize engagement and understanding:

Whole Group Instruction: We begin each class with an overview of the day’s topic and skill.
Vocabulary Introduction: Key vocabulary words related to each historical figure or movement are introduced and reinforced using an interactive game via Flowcabulary.
Strategy Video: A short Flocabulary video introduces the day’s theme or historical figure, capturing students' interest through music and storytelling.
Mini Lesson and Mentor Text: The teacher leads a mini-lesson on the day’s topic, reading aloud from a relevant passage or mentor text to build understanding.
Interactive Activities: Students will engage in various hands-on activities, such as creating freedom posters, quilt designs, or family trees, to connect personally with each lesson.
Discussion and Reflection: Each session ends with an open discussion, where students can share their thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on the day’s lesson.
Teaching Style: I bring both personal insight and professional experience as a New York State certified teacher and descendant of enslaved African Americans. My teaching style is interactive, supportive, and enthusiastic, combining lectures, hands-on crafts, video clips, and guided discussions to make history accessible and meaningful. I aim to create a respectful and engaging environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and exploring new perspectives.

Student Interaction: Students will actively engage in each class through:

Nearpod Lessons: Interactive slides, quizzes, and activities to reinforce learning.
Flocabulary Games and Videos: Engaging vocabulary games and music videos that make historical concepts come alive.
Hands-On Crafts: Fun, creative projects that deepen understanding of each topic.
Discussions and Q&A: Opportunities to ask questions, discuss insights, and connect with the instructor and classmates.

By the end of this course, students will have a deeper appreciation of the strength, creativity, and legacy of African Americans in shaping American history. Through interactive lessons, storytelling, and creative expression, students will connect with the past in ways that inspire pride, respect, and a lifelong love of learning.