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Resources for Teachers: Supporting and educating students during unprecedented historical events
Published February 1, 2021
The David C. Anchin Center joins educators across the country in emphatically condemning the acts of violence that perpetrated at our nation’s Capitol on January 6th, 2021 that were intended to undermine the democratic process. We are committed to educational practices that will prepare our next generation of citizens to think critically, engage in rigorous inquiry, peacefully explore diverse perspectives, and address societal injustices.
To support educators who are helping students process the unprecedented events that occurred last month, we have curated a list of resources that may assist in class discussions, critical media literacy, and unpacking news images.
The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
If you’re a social science educator, talking to your students about what occurred
on Capitol Hill may be a sensitive topic. Now more than ever, there’s a pressing need
to answer questions that revolve around our civil liberties, our political system,
and how we should consume information. The NCSSthat could help you introduce complicated subjects more understandably.
One resource titled “” is a great place to start when preparing to discuss the voting process and its importance.
Facing History and Ourselves
Our immediate response to injustice as educators should always include facilitating
meaningful conversations with our students. However, it’s essential to think critically
before speaking out.
, a nonprofit organization that uses history lesson to challenge teachers and students
to stand up to bigotry and hate, provides teachers with a that include self-reflection, communicating with colleagues, and creating a space
for learners to “address the “heart” before the “head.” The organization also provides
several resources for instructors who aim to introduce a discussion virtually.
Teaching Tolerance
Over the past few weeks, students may have had time to process the events that transpired
in Washington, but some students may still be working through their emotions. You
might be planning to spark a conversation with your students or continue ongoing discussions
in your classroom.
In an article titled, “,” , a project of the , offers a few tips such as giving students a platform to lead discussions and sharing
what’s true about the situation and what’s not. One exercise discussed involved putting
learners into groups of four to six, having them answer a prompt, and allowing every
person in each group to speak for three minutes without interruptions.
Resources from the New York Times
If you’re looking for lesson plans and activities that can help address what led to
the events at the Capitol, from offers resources that may guide you in the right direction.
Resources include a list of essential questions, videos, and podcasts that can be
shared in classrooms and several assignment ideas that allow students to think critically
about current events. The article also links to a that may help middle and high school educators gain insight into how other students
feel about the situation.
The Washington Post: “What are you teaching tomorrow?”
shared that featured a pressing question one teacher on Twitter felt moved to tweet on the
day of insurrection.
The question, "So educators, I ask in all sincerity, what are you teaching tomorrow?” was followed by a chain of responses from teachers who said they would pause their
lesson plans, let students lead discussions, or continue teaching in hopes of maintaining
“normalcy” in their classrooms.
Though time has passed, perhaps this question is still one you struggle with today.
“Tomorrow” could represent the coming weeks or even the coming months. In a time where
injustice and inequality seem to prevail, we should take time to reflect on how we
can best impact the next generation we have in front of us in our classrooms.
About the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching:
The mission of the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching is to collaborate with teachers, school leaders, districts, and other educators to improve the quality of education for students and to transform the teaching profession to attract, retain, and develop quality educators. We achieve this mission through partnerships with schools, the broader educational community, business and industry, and the community at large. To learn more, visit www.usf.edu/anchin.