Global Black Narratives for the Classroom: Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean

Book excerpt: Rather than reserving the teaching of Black history to Black history month, Black narratives deserve to be seen and integrated into every aspect of the school curriculum. A unique yet practical resource, Global Black Narratives for the Classroom addresses this issue by providing primary teachers with a global outline of Black history, culture and life within the framework of the UK’s National Curriculum. Each topic explored in this essential book provides teachers and teaching assistants with historical, geographic and cultural context to build confidence when planning and teaching. Full lesson plans and printable worksheets are incorporated into each topic, alongside tips to build future lessons in line with the themes explored. Volume II of this book explores the following parts: Part 1 guides teachers through planning and delivering lessons focused on Africa. Pupils will benefit from developing a diverse and accurate understanding of the changing nature of Africa throughout history, linking the continent’s social history with its geographical features. Part 2 ‘The Caribbean’, builds upon the lesson plans of Part 1 to further highlight the interconnectedness of diaspora cultures in influencing the musical, visual and religious practices of the Caribbean and Central America. Part 3 begins by addressing the incorrect assumption that the history of Black people in the Americas begins and ends with plantation slavery. Instead, this section proposes a range of in-depth lesson plans on the diverse histories, cultures and experiences of Black people within the United States. Created by BLAM UK, this highly informative yet practical resource is an essential read for any teacher, teaching assistant or senior leader who wishes to diversify their curriculum and address issues of Black representation within their school.