Introduction
The attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, was an unprecedented event that left the nation in disbelief. Educators around the country are faced with the challenge of discussing and processing these events with their students. In order to assist educators in addressing this difficult topic, we have compiled a list of resources that can help stimulate healthy and informative conversations about the Capitol attack.
1. PBS NewsHour Extra
PBS NewsHour Extra provides classroom resources on current events, including lesson plans, videos, and articles. Their coverage of the Capitol attack includes discussion questions, video clips, and accompanying articles designed to help teachers facilitate constructive discourse among students. Explore their resources at:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
2. Facing History and Ourselves
Facing History and Ourselves is a nonprofit organization that provides educational materials on historical events and social issues to promote moral reflection among students. Their resources on the Capitol attacks include articles with guiding questions for discussion on topics such as democracy, protest, and political violence.
https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library?search_api_fulltext=Attack%20on%20the%20Capitol
3. Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine’s article “How to Talk About the Attack on the Capitol With Children” offers expert advice from educators and psychologists about how to address this topic with young learners. This resource aims to help teachers have age-appropriate conversations with students.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-to-talk-about-attack-on-capitol-with-children/
4. Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media’s guide titled “Explaining the News to Our Kids” provides age-specific tips for discussing news events with children and helps educators answer difficult questions students may have regarding current events like the attack on the Capitol.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids
5. Share My Lesson
Share My Lesson is a platform that offers free teaching resources, created by teachers, for teachers. They offer lesson plans and webinars on the Capitol attack aimed at helping educators engage students in conversations about democracy, protest, and the consequences of violence.
https://sharemylesson.com/collection/capitol-protests
Conclusion
The attack on the Capitol was a shocking and complex event that educators across the nation are working to explain and discuss with their students. These resources can help facilitate valuable conversations in the classroom, providing context and understanding to an unprecedented moment in America’s history.
