An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People
By Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese
AT A GLANCE
15 min I 5 Key ideas I Text Summary I Grades 6-12
What’s In this BookBag
Book Bags are meticulously curated book summaries and guides created by our team to engage young readers in history and humanity beyond textbooks. In this Book Bag, educators will find detailed summaries of key ideas from "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People," thought-provoking guiding questions, and engaging activities designed to enhance critical thinking and understanding. This comprehensive toolkit will help bring the rich and often overlooked history of Indigenous peoples into the classroom, fostering a deeper appreciation and knowledge among students.
What's it about?
History and Social Studies, Cultural Studies, Social Justice and Advocacy, Environmental Studies
About the author
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz is a renowned historian, writer, and activist with a lifelong commitment to social justice. Her extensive research and advocacy focus on Indigenous peoples' history and contemporary issues. Through her insightful and thought-provoking writing, she challenges conventional narratives and highlights the resilience and contributions of Indigenous communities, offering readers a more accurate and inclusive view of American history.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Detailed Summary: Comprehensive breakdown of key ideas from the book.
- Guiding Questions: Thought-provoking questions to spark critical thinking and deeper discussion.
- Engaging Activities: Interactive exercises designed to enhance understanding and retention.
- Counter Points: Challenging questions based on real criticisms to encourage critical analysis and multiple perspectives.
HumanityEd Interactive Reading Toolkit: A set of tools to help students actively engage with the text and develop their analytical reading skills.
TEACHER & PARENT GUIDE
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In this lesson, students will explore the epic tale of Sundiata Keita, which includes emotionally powerful narratives. Whether in a classroom or at home, it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for students' emotional responses. Review the material beforehand to ensure it's suitable for your students' emotional and intellectual levels.
For educators and parents, provide opportunities for students to process their emotions. This can include reflective activities like journaling, discussion circles, or creative expression. Create a space where students feel comfortable expressing their reactions in a way that suits them best.
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At HumanityEd, we strive to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student's voice is valued. Start by establishing clear agreements that promote respect and inclusivity, whether in the classroom or at home. Encourage students and family members to contribute to these agreements to build a sense of community and ownership.
Use techniques such as "Community Circles" or "Family Meetings" to facilitate open discussions and ensure diverse perspectives are heard and respected. This approach helps create a supportive atmosphere for learning and reflection.
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Our lessons include inquiry-based questions designed to guide students' exploration and align with specific learning objectives. These questions stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to delve deeply into the material.
Incorporate these questions into class discussions, debates, or research projects. For parents, encourage children to ask questions and explore answers together through conversations or shared research activities, making the learning process interactive and engaging.
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Support students in understanding new vocabulary and concepts using creative strategies such as "Concept Mapping" or an "Interactive Glossary." Encourage students to create visual representations of key terms to help them grasp and retain challenging concepts.
Maintain an "Interactive Word Board" or "Family Word Wall" where students can add new terms and definitions. Encourage the use of these terms in writing and discussions to reinforce learning. Parents can use similar methods at home with flashcards or word games to make learning vocabulary fun and engaging.
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