A Lesson Plan for Teachers

Teaching History seems relatively straight forward. You have facts xyz and you present them in an unbiased fashion. Students absorb the factual information. Mission complete. Unfortunately, teaching to foster inclusivity is a whole new ballgame. While factual teaching (from reliable, vetted sources) is invaluable, teaching to foster inclusivity requires a different investment in the lesson.

When teaching American History, we have to be mindful of whitewashed lessons. Glorifying American History in a way that minimizes or dismisses truth or accountability is incredibly dangerous. However, it may feel difficult to find a way to present lessons factually but inclusively. Especially during this Black History Month, consider using online resources that allow you to shift the focus. Utilize resources that highlight accomplishments of POC throughout the school year.

How to Avoid Whitewashing in the Classroom

“Truth in reporting” may generally be a journalism term, but it can also apply to your Social Studies lessons. Though textbooks can be beneficial, they can also be biased. Especially when teaching US History, you must be mindful that you are not presenting data one-sidedly, or teaching information in a way that dismisses truth or accountability.

When discussing delicate or sensitive topics in your classroom, ensure that you are presenting all sides of an argument, assigning accountability where appropriate, and avoided whitewashing your lessons. Strive to highlight accountability for actions, avoiding glorifying American History in a way that minimizes the truth.

Allow your students the opportunity to process the information in different ways with reflection activities and choice lessons.

Resources to Help Foster Inclusivity in Your Lessons

• Analyzing Quotes of African-Americans Task Cards
• Important African Americans Biography Centers Activity
• Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement PowerPoint

You can also browse a plethora of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., resources to highlight the significant contributions of people of color.

During this Black History Month (and forward into the rest of the school year), be mindful of whitewashing your US History lessons in a way that glorifies white America and dismisses or minimizes accountability. Consider highlighting the importance and contributions of POC while focusing on factual history in a way that is unbiased but inclusive.

Happy Teaching!