I speak at middle schools about slavery and the Underground Railroad while promoting my novel, Dark Enough to See the Stars, about a boy who runs away from slavery. I enjoy explaining where slaves lived, what they wore, how they worked, and what they ate. I give the students an opportunity to taste ashcakes, a type of cornbread the slaves ate, which generates a lot of excitement. The kids’ curiosity and the depth of their questions amaze me. They participate in honest, intelligent discussion.
Most of the schools in which I taught last year were in Pennsylvania. I mentioned to these kids that Quakers harbored slaves on the Underground Railroad. So imagine my surprise when blank faces looked up at me when I asked them about William Penn. I taught hundreds of middle grade kids last year. Only three knew William Penn founded Pennsylvania.
Back in the day I taught elementary school. Pennsylvania history was a part of the fourth grade curriculum. However, a teacher sadly told me now they only “touch” on Pennsylvania history.
Where has all the history gone? Is this a sign of the times? Is history taking a back seat because teachers must teach to the tests? What can parents and teachers do to keep history alive?
Incorporating historical fiction into reading programs may help. Last year Dark Enough to See the Stars was selected for a local reading contest. Many schools across the nation participate in the Accelerated Reading program, where students earn points for reading books. My novel was rated at a 3.8 grade reading level and has a point value of seven. The subject matter is suitable for older grades as well, and is perfect for boys (who love fast-paced adventure), and older kids with lower reading levels.
History can be an effective tool for learning life lessons. As we teach students about our past we can point out successes and failures. They can learn about bad decisions that had dire consequences and about heroic choices that lead to freedom and equality for others. Kids desperately need positive role models like Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass.