Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Library of Congress guide on Felix Mendelssohn provides an extensive resource for teachers and students exploring the life and work of the renowned 19th-century composer. It features curated links to digital collections, including manuscripts, letters, sheet music, and articles and recordings of Mendelssohn's compositions. The guide also offers contextual insights into his role in the Romantic era, making it an excellent starting point for music history lessons or research projects. Its viewer-friendly design and authentic content make it a valuable educational tool.

tag(s): art history (106), composers (16), music theory (48)

This engaging historical account traces the rise of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, from his humble beginnings in a fractured post-Ghanaian world to his triumphant leadership as Mansa of Mali. Born into a minor fiefdom after the collapse of the Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame personal and political struggles--including exile, disability, and family betrayal--to unite warring factions against the tyrannical sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante. Through strategic alliances and military prowess, he led a victorious rebellion in 1234, forming a powerful federation of twelve nations. Unlike its predecessor, Mali thrived under Sundiata's rule, benefiting from vast gold mines, controlled trade routes, and a strong military. His reign laid the foundation for one of West Africa's greatest empires, ensuring economic prosperity and political stability for generations to come.
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tag(s): africa (166)

This lesson plan, Dance: Sundiata--Mali's Lion King, integrates history and the arts to engage students in learning about the legendary West African ruler, Sundiata Keita. Designed for middle school students, the lesson explores the story of Sundiata through dance, movement, and storytelling, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the Mali Empire. Students analyze the themes, historical significance, and cultural impact while expressing their understanding through choreographed performances. The resource includes guided discussion questions, key vocabulary, and creative activities to deepen comprehension and make history come alive through the arts.

tag(s): africa (166), african american (119), dance (33)

Unlock the rich history of West Africa with this engaging instructional resource from the Virginia Department of Education. From the legendary rise of Sundiata Keita to the flourishing trade networks of the Mali Empire, this guide provides teachers with dynamic lesson plans, primary sources, and interactive activities to immerse students in African history. With a focus on storytelling, historical analysis, and cultural connections, this resource equips educators with the tools to make history come alive in the classroom. Plus, the included links offer even more ways to enrich student learning!

tag(s): africa (166), creative writing (125), journals (16)

This engaging video lesson helps students create a comic strip retelling the story of Sundiata while drawing connections to The Lion King. Students fold a blank sheet into eight squares (or use a provided template) and illustrate key moments from the story, incorporating twelve essential vocabulary terms. The lesson uses an adapted text from an African storyteller and highlights parallels between Sundiata and The Lion King, such as King Maghan representing Mufasa and Sundiata paralleling Simba. Accompanying resources, including a pre-made comic strip template and key terms, are available for teachers to support student engagement. If your district blocks YouTube, then this video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): africa (166), comics and cartoons (55), vocabulary (241)

Early American Civilizations: Myths, Pyramids, and Kings is a Grade 5 unit plan provided by the Texas Education Agency. It offers educators a comprehensive framework to teach students about early American civilizations, including the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca cultures. The unit explores their myths, architectural achievements such as pyramids and temples, and governance structures. Through detailed lesson plans, instructional strategies, and assessment tools, students engage with the cultural and historical significance of these civilizations, deepening their understanding of their lasting impact.

tag(s): grammar (138), pyramids (24), south america (77), spelling (98), writing (327)

Step back in time and explore the incredible civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas! This engaging resource provides a deep dive into the geography, government, religion, achievements, and downfall of these ancient empires. Packed with fascinating facts and organized for easy comparison, this PDF is a must-have for teachers looking to bring history to life. Whether you're sparking discussions, guiding research projects, or creating interactive activities, this resource will help your students uncover the brilliance and complexity of these legendary civilizations!

tag(s): architecture (84), religions (107), south america (77)

Discover this comprehensive student reader designed for 5th-grade classrooms. It explores the histories, cultures, and achievements of the Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations, providing detailed narratives, maps, and illustrations. The resource includes key vocabulary, discussion questions, and historical context, making it an excellent tool for building background knowledge in social studies and literacy. Teachers can use this text to support lessons on early American civilizations, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections with geography and archaeology.

tag(s): critical thinking (135), literacy (123), maps (223), south america (77), vocabulary (241)

The PBS NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu website offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient Incan citadel, blending archaeology, history, and science. Teachers can use this resource to engage students with interactive features, expert insights, and video content that uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu's construction, purpose, and rediscovery. The site provides rich visuals, timelines, and articles that support discussions on ancient civilizations, engineering marvels, and cultural heritage. This resource is ideal for history, geography, and STEM lessons, encouraging critical thinking through analysis of archaeological evidence and historical interpretation.

tag(s): archeology (29), south america (77), STEM (304), timelines (58)

View this collection of resources related to the Inca Empire, offering a variety of engaging, ready-to-use materials for teaching about the history, culture, and achievements. The collection includes lesson plans, worksheets, reading comprehension activities, maps, fact files, and interactive PowerPoints to support different learning styles. The materials are aligned with curriculum standards, making them ideal for introducing key concepts, reinforcing learning, and providing differentiated instruction. Whether used for whole-class lessons, small group work, or independent study, these resources help students explore the engineering feats, government, religion, and daily life of the Inca in an accessible and engaging way.

tag(s): cultures (200), religions (107), south america (77)

Step into the thrilling world of Mayan Crystal, an action-packed audio drama that takes listeners on an epic adventure deep into the heart of the Mayan jungle. Hosted on GZM Shows, this immersive story follows a brave young girl who unlocks an ancient power, setting off a high-stakes journey filled with mystery, danger, and mythical forces. With rich storytelling, cinematic sound design, and captivating performances, Mayan Crystal is perfect for listeners who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of magic. Ready to uncover the secrets of the Mayan world? Tune in now!

tag(s): mayans (32), mexico (46), mysteries (24), myths and legends (41)

Discover a rich collection of historical photographs and illustrations showcasing influential African American activists throughout history. Each image is clickable, allowing you to explore detailed descriptions, historical context, and related resources to understand better these prominent figures and their contributions to social justice. This resource is an excellent visual tool for educators teaching African American history and the Civil Rights movement.

tag(s): african american (119), black history (134), civil rights (215), martin luther king (46)

How This Film Erased Asian-Americans From Their Own Story is a five-minute YouTube video. This video features Hollywood's long-standing white savior complex. The moderator examines how, in the movie True Believer, the white savior complex is present. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
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tag(s): cultures (200), movies (55)

Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento's Lost Japantown is based on a 2017 exhibition at the California Museum. The collection of photos explores a now-vanished and mostly forgotten neighborhood, which was once the fourth-largest Japantown in the nation. Some of the photographs featured allow you to zoom in and explore. The photographs start in the 1900s with Early Japan and span to forced removal between 1942-1945, post-war Japantown from 1945-1959, and redevelopment from 1955-1965. The site ends with Japanese notables.

tag(s): japan (57), japanese (49), photography (132)

Google Arts and Culture features Indomitable: The Tommy Kono Story. The story of Tommy Kono is told through photographs that share information about his early life, Tule Lake Judo Club, early training, Buddhist Church of Sacramento, Olympic Gold, his legacy, and more. Some of the photographs allow you to zoom in further.

tag(s): cultures (200), japanese (49), religions (107), sports (83)

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: We are not a Stereotype shares a video series for educators. Video topics include: Migration, Occupation, Racial and Gender Identities, Cross-Community Building, and How to Support Student Learning on these topics. In addition, links to the Smithsonian Learning Lab will support the issues in the series. Videos range in length from forty minutes to an hour and forty minutes. Next to each video is a breakdown, speakers, video length, and topics/themes.

tag(s): asia (121), cultures (200)

Check out these resources, including the Asian Americans K-12 Education Curriculum, Asian Americans in the People's History of the United States, Asian American booklist, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Advising for Multilingual Learners, We are not a stereotype, the history of tensions--and solidarity--between Black and Asian American communities, explained, and more.

tag(s): asia (121), cultures (200)

A Different Asian American Timeline covers almost 600 years of history, from the early Atlantic slave trade of the 15th century to the rise of the modern nation states, and features events that affected people across racial boundaries. This website focuses not on the events related to people who arrived in the United States from Asia, but on why Asians arrived in America and their relationship to the global conditions affecting people across racial and national boundaries. The timeline is broken into the following sections: 1441-1860, 1861-1898, 1989-1939, 1939-1980, and 1980- present. The site also includes an Introduction, America Empire v. Democracy, and how to use the timeline.

tag(s): timelines (58)

The Jewish American Heritage Month website is a valuable resource for educators looking to integrate Jewish American history and culture into their curriculum. It provides access to primary sources, lesson plans, videos, and exhibits from institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian. Teachers can use these materials to explore Jewish contributions to American society, discuss historical events, and engage students in activities that promote cultural understanding. The site also includes virtual exhibits and suggested readings, making it a versatile tool for classroom learning.

tag(s): cultures (200), jews (46), religions (107)

Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire is a seven-minute YouTube video. The video highlights the history, leadership, accomplishments, and decline of the Mali Empire. While watching the video, a sketch artist sketches pictures or words about the Mali Empire.
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tag(s): africa (166), cultures (200)