Zinn Education Project and A Young People's History of the US: Best option for clear and socially aware learning

For an accessible, engaging as well as socially aware US history curriculum that accommodates a wide range of perspectives and learning styles, we recommend A Young People's History of the United States. A Young People's History of the United States provides a more engaging and complex understanding of US history - taking into account perspectives that are often not found in traditional US history textbooks. It is illustrated and accessible - bringing students back to the joy of learning. This resource was inspired by Howard Zinn in the documentary, "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train". Zinn wanted to teach history as "a people's history". A Young People's History of the United States utilizes illustrations and a telling of US history drawn from the perspectives of various groups that have shaped US history to provide students a more well-rounded and holistic understanding of the subject. A Young People's History of the United States is a great choice for parents and educators trying to teach history from an empathy-based and social justice perspective. This resource is also a great choice for history buffs and students who are interested in taking ownership of their own learning. Some school districts will not allow teachers to include A Young People's History of the United States as part of their curriculum because they are worried that it is too biased and pushes a political agenda. Zinn Education Projects responds to this concern here: https://www.zinnedproject.org/about/faq/

Grades: 6-8th grade

Cost: You can purchase volume 1 of A Young People's History of the United States for $22.95.

OTHER DETAILS

Key features

Type of Tool: Textbook

Time required: Students spend about 1 hour at least 3 times a week studying US history. During classes, teachers often use A Young People's History of the United States for at least 20 minutes to keep students engaged and interested in the learning material.

Special Needs:

Literacy Requirement (does a child need to know how to read):

Screens

Screens:  Screens are optional

Online requirement:

Time

Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Yes, kids can use it with no help from a parent, teacher or caregiver

Prep Time:  n/a

Other characteristics

Modality: Multimedia

Adaptive: No, it is the same for every student

Educational Philosophy: Not really, doesn't seem to be influenced by a particular educational philosophy

Other characteristics:   Inclusive of diverse viewpoints and perspectives

Accountability

Assessment: No, there is no assessment component

State Standards: unsure

Teacher Accounts:

Read Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ZinnEducationProject/reviews/?ref=page_internal

Purchasehttp://www.powells.com/book/young-peoples-history-of-the-united-states-9781583228692?partnerid=33733

Tammy Gu

Tammy Gu is a product designer passionate about the intersection between design and education. She believes in always approaching others with curiosity, that good design can encourage deeper learning, and that education is fundamental to growth. In her spare time, she loves painting and collecting questions that nurture insightful conversation.

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