Teachers, kick off the new year with these resources for your classroom! This month’s round-up of digital learning resources features collections about Alexander Hamilton (his birthday is Jan. 11), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 20), and Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27).
Happy Birthday, Alexander Hamilton - January 11
Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation’s Founding Fathers, was born in the British West Indies on January 11, 1757. He came to America as an immigrant at age 15. He quickly rose through the ranks everywhere that he served and eventually became the first secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
His rise and fall has the twists and turns of a popular bestseller and was adapted into the smash hit musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Learn more about Hamilton’s legacy and share this fascinating tale with your students. This collection of resources includes videos, classroom activities, discussion questions, handouts, and teaching tips.
Grades 3-8
Who Was Alexander Hamilton? In this interactive lesson supporting literacy skills, students learn about the early life of Alexander Hamilton and his achievements as an adult during the Revolutionary War and in the Washington administration. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore a social studies focus on how Hamilton’s role as an outsider shaped his beliefs about the powers of the federal government. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.
Alexander Hamilton | Lawyer, Writer, and Founding Father Video Founding Father Alexander Hamilton fought at General George Washington’s side in the American Revolution, aided in the passage of the Constitution, and helped save the United States from financial ruin. A great leader, writer, soldier, and lawyer, Hamilton did not let his poor birthright stop him from achieving greatness. Through a short video and an analysis of two primary sources, students will examine the life of this important military and political leader.
Discovering Alexander Hamilton - Lesson Plan & Learning Activity (grades 3-5) In this lesson inspired by the PBS program Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton students learn about Hamilton's contributions to the United States when it was a young nation. This includes his time as the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Quest for Success: The Alexander Hamilton Story - Lesson Plan & Learning Activity In this lesson students watch video segments from Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton and learn about how Alexander Hamilton had great achievements despite having to overcome a difficult past. He was a lawyer, hero of the Revolutionary War, and was one of the "Founding Fathers" of the United States.
Grades 9-12
Jefferson and Hamilton: Different Visions for a New Nation | Interactive Lesson In this interactive lesson, students learn about several key issues that divided Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and how their different visions influenced the new nation. Their views on human nature, the structure and role of government, economic policies, and the United States’ role in foreign affairs are presented in a variety of primary and secondary sources.
The Great Debate: Thomas Jefferson vs. Alexander Hamilton After more than two centuries, Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson) and Alexander Hamilton (portrayed by William G. Bill Chrystal) take to the stage to discuss their political and social views. Both men were political geniuses; both were members of George Washington's original cabinet; both fought to establish the ground rules for our government; and, both were brilliant and prolific writers. The is a live performance with scholar performers using the Chautauqua Method for historical interpretation.
Alexander Hamilton: Early Influences Explore the early life of one of America's Founding Fathers—Alexander Hamilton. Born outside of the thirteen American colonies on a small tropical island, Hamilton's struggles begin early when his father leaves and his mother dies of yellow fever. As a teenager, he learns about international finance by working for an export company, hones his writing skills, and witnesses the degradation of slavery.
An Honorable Death? - Lesson Plan & Learning Activity This lesson plan for high school students explores the dispute of honor between Alexander Hamilton and then-Vice President Aaron Burr.
Alexander Hamilton's War - Lesson Plan & Learning Activity This high school lesson plan explores Alexander Hamilton’s military career by examining the tactics of three major Revolutionary War battles in which he served.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 27
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. The holiday celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These videos explore his legacy and provide an overview of the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Martin Luther King: Civil Rights Movement This program examines the Civil Rights Movement through the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. Excerpts from some of his most stirring speeches are put into context through the recollections of people who knew him best. His youngest son, Dexter King, tells us what he remembers about Dr. King the visionary and Dr. King the father. Finally, viewers return to Memphis in 1968, for a detailed look at his final days.
Martin Luther King Day | All About the Holidays The third Monday in January is a national holiday observing the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Learn more about this leader of the civil rights movement and about how we honor him today.
Conversation with Rosa Parks In this episode, we learn how one woman could begin a movement that would change the course of a nation. Rosa Parks did just that by taking a stand. Through an intimate conversation with Rosa Parks students we learn the importance of knowing their own heritage and standing up for what they believe in.
Dr. Bernice King Dr. Bernice King, youngest child of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, is an attorney and a minister. Only five years old when her father was assassinated, Dr. King talks about what she learned from living with her mother and her realization of her father's influence on the world.
A History of Civil Rights in America: 1927 - 1961 In this program students learn how a major shift in American consciousness under President Truman concerning the civil rights of Blacks led to the greatest civil rights movement the nation has ever seen, including the end of the doctrine-separate but equal, the courage of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in ending segregation and How the U.S. Supreme Court extended the 4th Amendment's protections to the states.
Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27
Holocaust Remembrance Day is on January 27th. Explore our collection to bring stories of the Holocaust to your classroom.
Holocaust Remembrance Day Collection This collection includes history lessons as well as eyewitness accounts.
Childhood Memories of the Holocaust | FRONTLINE Short Docs (grade 6-12) Learn about Susan, Manfred, and Ivor, young people sent to labor and concentration camps during the Holocaust, in FRONTLINE Short Docs. A lifetime later, their childhood memories of the camps remain vivid. In this short documentary, the three survivors give testimony through animated illustrations, bringing their pasts to life.
Holocaust Survivor Stories (grades 9-12)
Justin Kirschner, 3rd Generation
Holocaust Survivor Story: Zahava Rendler - An Open Letter
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