Inclusive History Curriculum and Resources
What is history?
History is vast, complex, and fascinating to study. It’s the story of people, the rise and fall of nations, wars, culture, and much more. It’s full of stories of incredible heroism, deep compassion, and sometimes heartbreaking sorrow. We learn so much about just being human from history and can truly see the growth and development of humanity across the centuries.
Why should we teach inclusive history?
Inclusive history is NOT a replacement of the history we have learned through the years. It’s an expansion of that history to provide a more complete picture. Much like our scientific knowledge is always growing and changing, so is our knowledge of history. Inclusive history asks the questions:
- Is this the complete story?
- Is there another point of view?
- How does that point of view create a more complete picture of this story in history?
You can use any history text to ask these questions and dig deeper for yourself. However, here are a few resources that have already done the work for you in putting together a fully balanced and inclusive history.
A River of Voices Vol. 1: First European Colonies to 1791 (Grades K-12). Parent guide comes in PDF format. This is family-style teaching with three pathways: Gentle Pathway (Grades K-2), Foundational Pathway (Grades 3-8), and Advanced Pathway (Grades 7+) All pathways use base texts from K-2 grades and add on additional content for older grades. The parent guide includes video links and hands-on activities for visual and kinesthetic learners as well as multiple other literature selections for student reading. Emphasis on perspectives from Native, Asian, LatinX, Black groups. Includes different pathways for more in-depth work for older students. This is the lesson plan. Other books requried for purchase to complete curriculum. Available in the Lending Library looking library for review.
Oh Freedom, A Conscious US History Curriculum (Grades K-12) Parent guide comes in PDF format. Three different grade level curriculum available: K-2, 3-7, and High School. Parent guide includes book recommendations, historical readings, historical fiction, and discussion questions. Available in the Lending Library looking library for review.
Honest History (Grades 1-7). This company creates books, magazines, and even a podcast for young historians. Every issue of their magazine highlights a different topic from the space race to Native American history to learning about the 19th century pirate Cheng I Sao. Fun and engaging stories for kids.
Facing History and Ourselves (Grades 7-12). Resource for parents and educators. A searchable resource library for lessons and mini-lessons.
Zinn Education Project: Teaching People’s History (Grades 7-12). Resource for parents and educators. A searchable library of teaching materials.
Social Justice Curriculum
Expanding Your World View
Little Global Citizens – Study a new country and culture every month (ages 4-10)
Backpack the World – Cultural geography-based activity kits for children aged 9 to 15 years old. Cultural geography is what helps us make sense of our world by showing the connections between people and places. Single month or 3-, 6- or 12-month subscriptions available.
