A People's History for the Classroom

A People's History for the Classroom helps teachers introduce students to a more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of U.S. history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula. It includes an introductory essay by veteran teacher Bill Bigelow on teaching strategies that align with Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. This collection of exemplary teaching articles and lesson plans emphasizes the role of working people, women, people of color, and organized social movements in shaping history, and raises important questions about patterns of wealth and power throughout U.S. history. Through improvisations, role plays, imaginative writing, and critical reading activities, students learn about key turning points in U.S. history. An understanding of the "people's history" of the United States provides the perspective and analytical tools so important for making sense of-and improving- today's world.