First Chapter Fridays
Read aloud a chapter of a book your students are interested in to build community around stories and storytelling.
![Person sitting on the floor while holding a book.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingbook_2017_FH2174436_teaser.jpeg?h=84071268&itok=8vuJsWXh)
Compass Points
Students get an opportunity to give feedback about the class and communicate their needs and worries.
![A person holds a compass in their hand with the ocean in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/personholdingblackandwhitecompass_FH2174435_teaser.jpeg?h=5dfb68b6&itok=-Xaib-Ey)
Exit Cards
Students share how they are feeling, what their needs are, and what goals they’d like to set in an exit card.
![A person holds a glass door open with a backpack over one shoulder.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/manholdingglassdoor_2017_FH2174434.jpg?h=d8832164&itok=qp7RoHxk)
What’s In a Name?
Students explore the relationship between our names, identities, and the societies in which we live.
![A pile of "Hello my name is" nametags and sharpie markers sit on top of a desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/nametags_2018_FH2174433.jpg?h=881f65d3&itok=7hpJX7aW)
Frame a Special Item
Students identify an object that holds special meaning and learn about each other by sharing the stories of these special items.
![A person holding a rectangular white photo frame near a body of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/personholdingwhitephotoframe_FH2174431.jpg?h=85ee10f1&itok=FI7scKNp)
Envisioning Our Classroom Space
Students analyze a poem in order to determine the qualities of a classroom community where members are seen, valued, and heard.
![Two students look at each other in conversation. One student is also taking notes.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomEvent_2018_%20FH287178.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=CX7H4ckw)
Where Did the Word "Genocide" Come From?
Facing History informs readers on the history of the term "genocide."
![The term "genocide" is highlighted in a dictionary.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/genocide_dictionary_definition.png?h=a6c55029&itok=bw0cIvoy)
18 Teacher Resources on Native American History and Culture
Below are 18 resources that middle and high school teachers can turn to when developing lesson plans related to the roles of Native American peoples in American history and contemporary life. These resources include online exhibitions at the Smithsonian; the Smithsonian’s Native Knowledge 360° Educational Initiative; the work of the Mitchell and Hood Museums; and the growing work of Facing History in these thematic areas.
![Three members of the Sioux tribe pose in Indian Village, 1898.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Black%20Foot-Standing-Bear_Big_Eagle_Sioux_ca_1898.jpg?h=26ac82e5&itok=5rYHkhl2)
Rising Antisemitism and Fading Memories of the Holocaust
Help students analyze recent trends regarding receding Holocaust memory and the resurgence of antisemitism in Europe, and prompt them to consider how history can help us confront hate in the world.
![Protesters against Antisemitism in Paris, 2018](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Holocaust_Remembrance_Day_9482772.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=_amQsU-x)
Introducing the Unit (UK)
Students will come together as a community of learners to develop a contract that establishes a safe, but challenging environment in their classroom.