Educator Resources

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Educator Resources

Supporting Parents and Educators

These educator resources are designed to support anyone who wants to teach for social justice.

Social justice is not a singular topic to be “covered.” We encourage educators to utilize social justice as a lens through which they and their students evaluate the past and present all year long. To support this method of teaching, our materials expand beyond the historical events of the Underground Railroad to include a range of topics from various periods in history across the four core disciplines of social studies (civics, economics, geography and history). They also expand beyond social studies and provide opportunities for cross-content collaboration.

There are several types of materials included in this collection:

  • Resources: informational texts, activity packets and professional development materials
  • Lesson plans: materials designed to engage students for one or two class sessions
  • Inquiries: materials created using the C3 Framework and Inquiry Design Model

Learn more about Freedom Center Educator Resources→

Visit the links below to view our library of lessons and activities suitable for learners of all ages.

 

Changemakers: Legacies and Evidence of the Past

Students will engage in social justice work by considering the legacy they will leave for future generations. Students will establish action plans for leaving positive legacies and inspiring others.
6-8
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry

Changemakers: Taking Action

Students will engage in social justice work by identifying a societal need and taking collective action to make change.
6-8
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry

Changemakers: John Parker

Students will engage in social justice work by examining why someone, like John Parker, would risk their freedom and life to help strangers. This process will introduce the concept of altruism, and students will be challenged to increase altruism in their school community.
9-12
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry

Changemakers: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Students will engage in social justice work by challenging common narratives of U.S. history. In their investigation, students analyze the voice of a Black, female abolitionist and begin to make connections between social justice work of the past and present.
6-8
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry

Changemakers: Assumptions and Myths About the Past

The Changemakers series of inquiries provide teachers multiple opportunities to incorporate the history of the Underground Railroad into their curriculum
6-8
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry

Freedom and Slavery are Opposites

Encourage kids to process their understanding of slavery and freedom through art and discussion.
K-2, 3-5
Social Studies
Lesson Plan

Talk to Your Kids About Modern Slavery

The following resources will prepare and support you for conversations about modern
slavery with children of all ages.
K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Social Studies
Resource

Phillis Wheatley: Poet

Learn about Phillis Wheatley and create your own poetry.
3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Social Studies, Language Arts
Resource

The Printing Press and Abolitionism

Visit the following resources to investigate the question: How did the printing press impact the abolitionist movement?
6-8
Social Studies
Resource

The Urgency of Our Pen: Literacy Laws

In this inquiry, students analyze materials that reveal the historical relevance of literacy and evaluate the importance of literacy, authorship, and publishing for abolitionism.
6-8
Social Studies
C3 Inquiry