Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Uncovering Loyalties is an engaging iCivics role-play game set in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1774. Students explore the town, interact with young people from different backgrounds, and walk in their shoes as Loyalists or Patriots. Throughout gameplay, students learn to explain connections in historical contexts; explore why individuals and groups held differing perspectives during the same period, and apply critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources. The game also helps students understand how political, religious, and economic ideas and interests led to the American Revolutionary War. Teachers can enhance the experience using a free Extension Pack, complete with a lesson plan, student handouts, and Google Slides available from the iCivics "Teach" section.

tag(s): american revolution (86), game based learning (208), williamsburg (8)

The Museum of the American Revolution's Virtual Museum Tour offers an immersive online experience featuring 360-degree panoramic views of its galleries, high-resolution images of artifacts, and optional guided audio narration. The tour is divided into themed sections, such as the Liberty Tree, Washington's Field Headquarters, and various exhibits that highlight diverse voices, including those of women, Native Americans, and both free and enslaved people. Students can explore detailed scenes and stories that trace the journey from the start of the Revolution to the founding of a new nation. However, since the tour includes embedded YouTube videos, any school district that blocks YouTube will prevent access to those video components.

tag(s): american revolution (86), virtual field trips (132)

Step into history--and make pivotal decisions! The American Revolution Institute's Revolutionary Choices game and companion app immerse students in the real-life challenges of the Revolutionary War. Starting with Lexington and Concord, players must make tough choices, such as financing the army, securing French support, and managing Loyalist tensions, while staying true to the ideals of liberty and unity. Available for free on desktop, iOS, and Android, the game includes over 150 scenarios and 24 key battles. A classroom guide helps teachers integrate gameplay with historical analysis, encouraging students to explore the complex political, military, and moral dilemmas faced by revolutionaries.

tag(s): american revolution (86), game based learning (208), simulations (26)

The Freedmen's Bureau and Education explores the impact of the Freedmen's Bureau in establishing schools for formerly enslaved individuals after the Civil War. Through historical context and primary source analysis, this resource helps students understand the challenges and successes of early efforts to provide education to African Americans. Teachers can use this material to spark discussions about equity in education, Reconstruction-era policies, and the lasting effects of these initiatives. This resource is ideal for social studies or history lessons on Reconstruction and civil rights.

tag(s): african american (121), civil war (142), primary sources (119), slavery (80)

Read about the significant underrepresentation of Latino achievements in U.S. history education. A joint study by UnidosUS and Johns Hopkins University revealed that only 13% of essential topics related to the Latino experience are adequately covered in current textbooks. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating Latino narratives into the broader American story to provide a more accurate and inclusive historical perspective. It highlights notable figures such as Juan Garrido, the first documented Black person in North America, and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to explore the West Coast. Educators are encouraged to incorporate these contributions into their curricula to enrich students' understanding of the nation's diverse heritage.

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The American Experience: Native Peoples collection on PBS LearningMedia provides educators with a curated selection of documentaries and resources that delve into the histories, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous communities in the United States. Topics covered include the forced relocations such as the Trail of Tears, the impact of government-run boarding schools on Indigenous children, Native American involvement in the Civil War, and the American Indian Movement's role in events like the Wounded Knee occupation. These materials offer valuable insights to enhance classroom discussions and promote a deeper understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues.

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The National Archives' Hispanic Heritage Month page offers educators a rich collection of primary sources and historical records to celebrate and explore the contributions of Hispanic Americans. The site features documents, photographs, and exhibits highlighting influential figures such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, labor leaders Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa. Educators can access materials on immigration, civil rights, and cultural achievements, providing students with authentic insights into Hispanic and Latino experiences in U.S. history.

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The ISTE blog post "9 Resources for Teaching About Hispanic Heritage" offers a curated list of engaging digital tools and platforms to help educators meaningfully incorporate Hispanic Heritage Month into their classrooms. Each resource highlights the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latino communities through interactive activities, videos, virtual exhibits, and lesson plans. The article emphasizes culturally responsive teaching and provides teachers with practical ideas to foster inclusivity and deeper student understanding.

tag(s): cultures (226), hispanic (46)

This educational video from KidsKonnect provides an engaging overview of Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting its origins, significance, and the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to U.S. culture and history. The video explains why the celebration runs from September 15 to October 15, ties it to Latin American independence days, and features notable figures like Sonia Sotomayor, Cesar Chavez, Rita Moreno, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is geared toward elementary and middle school learners. It also explores themes such as cultural identity, immigration, and community values, all while incorporating fun trivia--like a spotlight on Dora the Explorer as a cultural icon. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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The Biography.com feature "23 Influential Hispanic Americans Who Have Made History" offers an engaging overview of prominent Hispanic figures whose achievements have significantly impacted American society. The article highlights individuals across various fields, including politics, arts, science, and activism. Notable figures include Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic American on the U.S. Supreme Court; labor leader Cesar Chavez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers; and EGOT-winning performer Rita Moreno. This resource serves as an excellent tool for educators aiming to introduce students to the diverse contributions of Hispanic Americans.
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Explore up-to-date demographic insights into the Latino population in the United States. When this resource was created, Latinos accounted for 19% of the U.S. population, totaling 63.6 million people, and were responsible for 53% of the nation's population growth since 2010. The article highlights the diversity within the Latino community, noting that individuals of Mexican origin make up nearly 60% of the U.S. Latino population, followed by Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians, and Hondurans. Additionally, it discusses the significant increase in multiracial identification among Latinos, with more than 27 million identifying with more than one race in 2022, up from 3 million in 2010. These findings offer valuable context for educators aiming to incorporate comprehensive and current information about Latino communities into their curricula.

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The "ICS Jewish Americans: Identity, History, and Experience" lesson plan provides a comprehensive resource for teaching students about Jewish American history, diversity, and identity. It includes essential questions, learning outcomes, primary source documents, multimedia resources, and hands-on activities like the Identity Iceberg and Jewish American Diversity exercises. The lesson encourages students to explore visible and invisible aspects of identity, analyze historical experiences, and draw connections between Jewish Americans and other ethnic groups. This resource is ideal for fostering classroom discussions on culture, heritage, and inclusion.

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This podcast features heartfelt conversations with Asian American leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members about identity, heritage, and personal experiences. The podcast host explores immigration, family expectations, career journeys, and social justice through discussions with guests from diverse backgrounds and career paths. Teachers can use episodes to introduce students to diverse Asian American voices, foster discussions on identity and belonging, and encourage personal storytelling. This resource is ideal for middle and high school students studying cultural identity, history, or social issues.
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tag(s): asia (136), careers (183), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), oral history (14), podcasts (118), stories and storytelling (63)

The Unpacked for Educators - Jewish American Heritage Month page offers videos, articles, and other educational resources to explore Jewish American history and contributions. It covers influential figures, cultural impacts, and Jewish involvement in social justice movements. The site provides engaging multimedia content to help teachers integrate Jewish-American heritage into their curriculum. It's recommended to check if YouTube is accessible on school networks if planning to use these resources in the classroom.
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The AAPI History Hub is a valuable educational resource that provides lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive materials to help teachers incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history into their curriculum. The site offers engaging content for various grade levels, including biographies, historical events, and cultural contributions that highlight the rich and diverse experiences of AAPI communities. With classroom-ready resources and discussion prompts, the AAPI History Hub supports educators in fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of U.S. history.

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Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed descriptions, historical context, and related resources to understand better these prominent figures and their contributions to social justice. This resource is an excellent visual tool for educators teaching African American history and the Civil Rights movement.

tag(s): african american (121), black history (136), civil rights (219), martin luther king (46)

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Character Development Program offers a powerful approach to teaching Memorial Day through the lens of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. This resource includes lesson plans, discussion prompts, and video stories featuring Medal of Honor recipients, helping students connect historical understanding with personal character growth. Aimed at upper elementary through high school levels, it allows teachers to guide students in meaningful conversations about service, patriotism, and remembrance, making Memorial Day more than just a date on the calendar, but a moment for reflection and gratitude.

tag(s): holidays (194), memorial day (18)