Facing History & Ourselves in South Africa
We partner with Shikaya to support educators, school leaders, and administrators to create classrooms, schools, and systems that nurture a vibrant multiracial democracy.
![Facing History PDF](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2022_FacingHistoryandOurselvesinSouthAfrica_FH2176370.jpg?h=2d545f09&itok=ULT_B8l5)
Brave Girl Rising: A Refugee Story
Created in partnership with Girl Rising, this lesson invites students to engage with the story of a young refugee and to consider the power of storytelling to spark empathy.
![Young woman in red in front of trees](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/shorthand_image140of143.jpeg?h=4dc35482&itok=7UScoCil)
Create a Toolbox for Care
This mini-lesson invites students to think about the “tools” they have access to during the coronavirus pandemic that can help them take care of themselves, others, and their wider community.
![Rock with the phrase "free like a bird" painted on it](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Kindness_Rocks_Project_near_Bochum.jpeg?h=9debdb27&itok=IMHNDeTT)
Different Perspectives on Migrant Detention
In this mini-lesson, students gain insight into migration and the systems surrounding migrant detention by considering the perspectives of migrants, an immigration lawyer and advocate, a border guard, and an immigration judge.
![Undocumented immigrant families walk from a bus depot to a respite center](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/PerspectivesonDetention_RTX6D3SR_fullres.jpg?h=2a871bf3&itok=i7w7FDb7)
Verifying Breaking News
Students evaluate the differences among news accounts about Ferguson, develop strategies for verifying news and information, and understand the challenges facing journalists as they cover complex, fast-moving events.
![Reporters conducting an interview.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/iStock-1350663690.jpg?h=62bc044e&itok=TN8_VBij)
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)
What Aspects of Our Identities Do We Show to Others?
Through a mask-making activity, students learn that they can conceal or reveal aspects of their identity.
![Two high school students in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/sedgehillY10-021115-nk-HR-4.jpg?h=1116cd87&itok=gUvyU5kN)
How Do Communities Define We & They?
Students draw on a classic Dr. Seuss story to explore how communities make choices regarding membership.
![Students and teacher engage in discussion in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_FH152780.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=m7vlE77a)
How Do Rules & Traditions Shape Communities?
Students create classroom rules through a group activity, and learn the relationship between customs and laws as it relates to a safe learning environment.
![A high school student writes on a piece of paper.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/StudentinClassroom_teaser.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=2k0HoYAK)
How Do Others Define Your Identity?
Students draw on a contemporary parable to explore how identity is formed by our own perception as well as other people's perception of us.
![Students at desks with laptops having a discussion.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/facing-history-sf-drew-bird-a-111_for_Web_or_Office_Use.jpg?h=c9f93661&itok=locch3qM)
What is Community?
Students answer the question, "What is a community?" by writing their own definition of the word and identifying what characteristics make their classroom a community.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/LA_ClassroomImage_2018_FH287148.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=lbbZPe6H)