Everyone's perspective of the past is different. A thought-provoking unit gives young academics the opportunity to explore their perspectives on history and their neighborhoods. Based on the work of Howard Zinn, each lesson explores history from a different viewpoint. Scholars also analyze Howard Zinn's writings and compare the actions of founding father Thomas Jefferson to others throughout history. 

Concepts

american history, identity, american culture, ethnic diversity, thomas jefferson

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners write poems about their neighborhoods or schools and compare their perspectives
• Create a visual poster board that represents pupils' varied backgrounds

Classroom Considerations

• The theme of ethnicity and race in some lessons may be sensitive for some scholars 

Pros

• Designed for multiple grade levels 
• Primary sources make the lesson engaging and authentic

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.2 CCRA.R.6 CCRA.R.7 CCRA.R.9 CCRA.W.4