Student's Kit: Learning About Palestine
Engaging resources and activities for students to explore Palestinian history, culture, and the pursuit of justice.
Key Learning Points
Understand the historical timeline of Palestine, from ancient times to the present, including key periods of civilization, conquest, and resistance.
Learn about the Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948 and its ongoing impact on Palestinian people, families, and communities worldwide.
Explore the concept of military occupation and its effects on daily life, as well as various forms of Palestinian resistance and resilience.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Palestine, including art, music, literature, food, and traditional crafts that preserve identity.
Activities for Students
Activity 1: Create a Timeline
Objective: To visualize key events in Palestinian history and understand historical context.
Materials: Large paper or digital presentation software, markers, historical dates and events (provided by teacher or researched).
Procedure:
- Work in groups to select 10-15 important dates and events related to Palestine from different historical periods.
- Create a visual timeline, including brief descriptions, illustrations, and significance for each event.
- Present your timeline to the class, explaining the connections between events and their historical impact.
- Reflect on how historical events continue to shape current realities.
Extension: Compare your timeline with timelines of other regions to understand global historical contexts.
Activity 2: Cultural Exploration
Objective: To appreciate Palestinian culture through its diverse expressions and understand its role in identity preservation.
Materials: Access to online resources (videos, images), cultural artifacts (if available), recipes, art supplies.
Procedure:
- Research different aspects of Palestinian culture, such as traditional clothing (tatreez), music (dabke), or cuisine.
- Choose one cultural element to explore in depth through research, interviews, or creative recreation.
- Prepare a short presentation or a creative project (e.g., drawing, short video, cooking a simple recipe) to share what you learned.
- Discuss how culture helps preserve identity and resilience, especially in diaspora communities.
Extension: Invite community members to share their cultural traditions or organize a cultural fair.
Activity 3: Geography and Maps
Objective: To understand the geography of historic Palestine and how it has changed over time.
Materials: Historical maps of Palestine, current maps, colored pencils, graph paper.
Procedure:
- Examine historical maps of Palestine from different time periods (Ottoman, British Mandate, 1948, 1967, present).
- Identify major cities, geographic features, and borders on each map.
- Create an overlay showing how the geography has changed and what areas are currently under different controls.
- Research how geographic changes have affected Palestinian communities.
Extension: Interview people from different regions about how geography affects their daily lives.
Recommended Readings & Videos
Books for Young Readers
- P is for Palestine: A Palestine Alphabet Book by Dr. Golbarg Bashi
- The Little Book of Palestine by Ashley Remer
- Mirror by Suzy Lee
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
- King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan
Documentaries
- Born in Gaza (documentary series)
- 5 Broken Cameras by Emad Burnat
- The Gatekeepers by Dror Moreh
- Death in Gaza by James Miller
- Occupation: Dreamland by Ian Olds
Online Resources
- Palestine Remembered - Interactive maps
- Electronic Intifada - Educational articles
- Institute for Palestine Studies - Academic resources
- UNRWA Education - Educational materials
- Al Jazeera Documentary - "The Book of Gaza"
Discussion Questions
Historical Understanding
- How does understanding history help us understand current events?
- What are different ways people preserve their cultural identity during displacement?
- How do historical narratives differ, and why is it important to hear multiple perspectives?
Ethical Considerations
- What responsibilities do we have as global citizens regarding human rights issues?
- How can we learn about complex conflicts without taking sides?
- What role does education play in promoting justice and understanding?
Personal Reflection
- How does learning about other cultures enrich our own understanding?
- What actions can students take to promote understanding and justice in their communities?
- How can we be respectful allies while avoiding savior complex?
Global Perspectives
- How does the Palestinian experience connect to broader themes of colonialism and displacement?
- What can we learn from other solidarity movements around the world?
- How do international law and human rights frameworks apply to this situation?