The Moment

Slavery Simulations: Just Don't

We're saddened by the news of yet another classroom lesson on slavery involving a troubling simulation—but we're not surprised. Our research has shown some common pitfalls when teaching and learning about slavery. In this edition of The Moment, we explain why mock auctions—along with simulations of the Middle Passage—do more harm than good, and we provide resources for teaching this history more effectively.

March 11, 2019

article

Another Slavery Simulation: We Can and Must Do Better

A simulation of an auction during a fifth-grade lesson about slavery last week is just the latest illustration of why we need better ways to teach hard history.

Monita K. Bell

webinar

Teaching Hard History: Building Better Lessons About Slavery

Join Learning for Justice for a deep dive into our one-of-a-kind classroom resource A Framework for Teaching American Slavery.

Person of Color's hand placing a brick onto the United States flag, which is made of bricks.

Teaching Hard History Podcast Series

‘Teaching Hard History’ brings us the lessons we should have learned in school through the voices of leading scholars and educators.

Slavery Simulations: Just Don't

Another Slavery Simulation: We Can and Must Do Better

Teaching Hard History: Building Better Lessons About Slavery

Teaching Hard History Podcast Series

View, discuss and share

Sign in to save these resources.

Get the Learning for Justice Newsletter