Teacher's Kit: Educating on Palestine
Resources and activities for educators to teach about Palestinian history, culture, and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Objectives
Accurate Information
To provide educators with accurate and comprehensive information about Palestine, its history, and contemporary realities.
Critical Thinking
To foster critical thinking and empathy among students regarding the Palestinian narrative and multiple perspectives.
Social Justice
To encourage discussions on human rights, international law, and social justice in the context of the Palestinian struggle.
Activities for the Classroom
Activity 1: Mapping Palestine
Objective: To understand the historical geography of Palestine and the impact of land changes over time.
Materials: Historical maps of Palestine (pre-1948, post-1948, current), blank maps, colored pencils, markers.
Procedure:
- Provide students with historical maps and discuss the changes in borders and demographics over time.
- Have students draw or trace maps of Palestine at different historical periods, highlighting key cities, villages, and geographical features.
- Discuss the implications of these changes on the Palestinian people, including displacement and loss of land.
- Compare population statistics and territorial changes between different periods.
Extension: Have students research the stories of specific villages that were depopulated and create presentations on their histories.
Activity 2: Personal Narratives
Objective: To humanize the conflict through personal stories and foster empathy and understanding.
Materials: Short stories, excerpts from memoirs, video testimonies of Palestinians (refugees, activists, artists), journals, poetry collections.
Procedure:
- Share selected narratives with students, ensuring age-appropriate content.
- Facilitate a discussion on the emotions, challenges, and resilience expressed in these stories.
- Encourage students to reflect on how these personal accounts deepen their understanding beyond headlines.
- Connect personal stories to broader historical and political contexts.
Extension: Invite community members to share their experiences or organize a virtual speaker session with Palestinian voices.
Activity 3: Human Rights Simulation
Objective: To understand human rights principles and apply them to real-world situations in Palestine.
Materials: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, case studies, role-playing scenarios, international law documents.
Procedure:
- Study the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and identify key principles.
- Examine case studies of human rights situations in Palestine (housing, movement, education, etc.).
- Role-play different perspectives in human rights scenarios (refugee, government official, international observer).
- Propose solutions based on international law and human rights principles.
Extension: Research how other communities have addressed similar human rights challenges and compare approaches.
Activity 4: 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 showcasing Palestinian heritage.
Reading List
Essential Books
- The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
- Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
- Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History by Nur Masalha
- The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
For Younger 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
- King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan
Documentaries
- Born in Gaza (documentary series)
- 5 Broken Cameras by Emad Burnat
- The Gatekeepers by Dror Moreh
- Occupation: Dreamland by Ian Olds
Online Resources
- Palestine Remembered - Interactive maps and history
- Electronic Intifada - Educational articles
- Institute for Palestine Studies - Academic resources
- UNRWA Education - Educational materials
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?
Additional Resources for Educators
For Educators
Teaching guides, lesson plans, and professional development resources for incorporating Palestinian studies into curriculum.
- Anti-Defamation League Educational Resources
- Teaching Tolerance Materials
- Academic journal articles and research
Community Engagement
Opportunities for students to engage with Palestinian communities and solidarity organizations.
- Local cultural centers and community organizations
- University student groups and academic programs
- Volunteer opportunities with refugee support organizations