Breadcrumb
![Two students look at each other in conversation. One student is also taking notes.](/sites/default/files/styles/standard_hero_article_460_361_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomEvent_2018_%20FH287178.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=bIamT9tf)
Lessons & Mini-Lessons
Feel prepared to discuss challenging current events or to explore pivotal periods in history with your students.
Our lessons are written using Facing History’s unique pedagogical approach, with activities that balance personal reflection and collaboration and draw upon primary source material selected to activate students’ intellectual, emotional, and ethical engagement.
Featured Lessons & Mini-Lessons
Explore a sample of lessons & mini-lessons from our resource library.
Mini-Lesson
Save
Reflecting on Amanda Gorman's "The Hill We Climb"
Use these activities to help students reflect on the themes in Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Day poem and consider how their unique experiences and voices can help America “forge a union with purpose.”
![Photo of Amanda Gorman at Biden's Inauguration.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/AP_21020703530611_fullres_Medium_res.jpg?h=3a61c815&itok=h5ZfP4Bq)
Mini-Lesson
Save
Assessing the Strength of Democracy
This mini-lesson provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of democracy and a framework for making meaning of news stories about the tensions and conflicts in democracies today.
![High School Classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/5-1-17FacH07522%20%281%29_2.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=PDDg6lsW)
Mini-Lesson
Save
Responding to the Insurrection at the US Capitol
This mini-lesson is designed to help guide an initial classroom reflection on the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol.
![Photo from January 6 Insurrection.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/GettyImages-1230453891_Medium_res.jpg?h=c4482f5d&itok=2V7uQTVL)
I love the way I can show my students how events in the past still impact our lives today. Because of what you do, I can make history a living breathing thing in my classroom!
—
An educator describing our current events mini-lessons
Find other lessons and mini-lessons from our resource library.
Explore
Donate now and together we'll build a better world
Make a 100% tax-deductible donation today and you'll help us reach even more teachers and students around the world, giving them the tools to fight back against hatred and bigotry.
You might also be interested in…
Insight
6 New Books on Human Rights
by
Kaitlin Smith
Below are 6 books published in 2021 that speak to underacknowledged dimensions of human rights in history, teaching, and contemporary global society.
![The words, "human rights" are highlighted within a text.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/istock-178100128_human_rights_text.png?h=a6c55029&itok=rh8-tcu0)
Insight
Anti-Trans Legislation: How We Got Here and Why it Matters
by
R.R. Rubin
Facing History describes the wave of Anti-Transgender legislation happening in the US, and how this affects our trans youth.
![crowd of people outside with a sign raised to protect trans kids](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/protect_trans_kids_sign_photo.png?h=a6c55029&itok=yP1CBUpC)
Insight
#MeToo Past and Present: 3 New Books on Challenging Gender Violence
by
Kaitlin Smith
Facing History summarizes three new books that have been released in the last year that address the ongoing struggle of women against gender violence.
![Colorful quilted portrait of activist Tarana Burke](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/tarana_colorful_quilt_graphic.jpeg?h=1be3eeeb&itok=_rUL5irF)
Insight
5 New YA Books on Women's History
by
Kaitlin Smith
Facing History provides a list of five YA titles that have been released in the last year that make important themes in women’s history and contemporary life accessible to young readers.
![Patriotic Graphic with Banner that reads Good Girls Don't Make History](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/Good_girls_dont_make_history_graphic.jpeg?h=a3f48866&itok=PmROzEKj)
Impact Story
Why Genocide Recognition Matters
by
Jen Langley
Facing History Sr. Director of Marketing & Analytics Jen Langley reflects on her personal connection to the Armenian Genocide.
![Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of The Armenians cover.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/CAHCGOA.jpeg?h=c58b31e4&itok=04yJPKcV)
Insight
Today is the #WeNeedBlackTeachers Day of Action
by
Kaitlin Smith
Facing History shares on the importance of having Black teachers in the classroom.
![Teacher helping a male pupil studying at a desk in classroom stock](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/black_male_teacher_helps_student_in_classrrom_stock.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=cyTPnsn_)
Insight
Youth Activism and Grief on Earth Day
by
Kaitlin Smith
Earth Day grants educators the opportunity to consider the ecological issues facing the planet and the unique ways that they are impacting the young people in their classrooms, which both elevates youth activism surrounding the issue and provides a healthy environment to process "ecological grief."
![Earth is our home cardboard sign on grass.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Untitled%20design%20%2832%29.png?h=e3685665&itok=z-QIZ9aG)
Insight
How to Build an Affirming Classroom in the Face of Anti-Trans Legislation
by
Julie Halterman
In response to the rise of legislation targeting transgender people, Facing History provides resources for educators to build an affirming, welcoming class community for your students, especially trans and non-binary students.
![Pink and blue chalk with transgender symbol stock photo.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/iStock-847839366.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=0Ge59Obs)
Insight
Remembering Rip Patton
by
Kaitlin Smith
Facing History commemorates the life of activist and Freedom Rider Ernest "Rip" Patton, Jr.
![Ernest "Rip" Patton, Jr. holding a picture of himself during a visit to the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/dr_ernest_rip_patton_freedom_rider_FH297343.jpg?h=1f0cc284&itok=ug3GbaWE)
Insight
6 Resources for Teaching About 9/11
by
Mary-Liz Murray
Facing History shares resources on 9/11 and its legacy to help educators answer some of the questions students might have about it.
![Tourists surround a USA flag at the World Trade Center.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-04/USA_flag_at_world_trade_center_stock.jpeg?h=70462508&itok=rYWzH417)
Featured Resource
5 Timely Reads on Genocide
by
Kaitlin Smith
In response to the outpouring of discussion and debate following President Biden’s statement that Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine constitutes genocide, Facing History provides five reads to address crucial questions educators and their students may be asking.
![Bouquet of flowers wrapped in purple fabric placed on monument.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Untitled%20design%20%2831%29.png?h=a6c55029&itok=xECBucxP)
Featured Resource
5 Tools for Teaching About Genocide
by
Kaitlin Smith
Facing History grants educators the opportunity to take advantage of five virtual tours, exhibitions, and professional development resources to navigate the challenges that arise when teaching about genocide.
![Definition of genocide stock photo.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/iStock-1082625266.jpeg?h=140710cd&itok=m-S9-c2_)