Teaching the History of North American-Slavery

Such a difficult topic to teach well, thoughtfully, and accurately.  Lately there have been some picture books and young adult literature that describe and depict slavery in a lens that shows the inhumanity, interactions and repercussions behind slavery.

Triangular Trade Route:
Ted-Ed talk overview by Anthony Hazard.  A five minute overview, told with creative and beautiful artwork. Dense but comprehensive.

 

Read Alouds:

Picture Books:

Henry's Freedom Box

Chapter Books:

Sophia's War

Chains

Resources:

Teaching Tolerance: Lies My Bookshelf Told Me: Slavery in Children's Literature- an article that discusses the topic and slavery represented in children's literature.  A good read before planning a unit.

Books to Celebrate Ramadan

This year, in the United States, Ramadan begins on the evening of Sunday, May 5 and ends the evening of Tuesday, June 4.

Some books that teach and depict Ramadan, for elementary school students, include:

Lailah's Lunchbox which tells the story of a young girl from Abu Dhabi who is fasting for the first time and has recently moved to the United States.

Under the Ramadan Moon a beautifully illustrated book that describes a family celebrating during Ramadan.

Hena Khan writes the favorite character of Curious George into a board book for younger children, where George celebrates with his friend Kareem. It's Ramadan Curious George

Another popular author for younger children, Karen Katz, wrote a board book titled My First Ramadan which introduces toddlers to the holiday.

Scholastic members might like this lower level non fiction book with colorful photos from around the world. Ramadan