Share My Lesson, the AFT's digital collection of teaching resources, has posted lesson plans and other materials about former political prisoner and South African President Nelson Mandela to coincide with the upcoming release of the feature film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom."
Share My Lesson is partnering with the film's producer, The Weinstein Company, and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. The lesson plans for grades 9-12, which are aligned to the Common Core State Standards, and three exclusive movie clips, are available free on Share My Lesson for educators, parents and others who register. Share My Lesson is the nation's largest online site for teaching resources.
The movie tells the inspirational story of Mandela, from his humble beginnings in Transkei, South Africa, to his 27-year incarceration for treason, to his eventual release to become the president of a fully participatory democratic South Africa. Mandela's story and the film provide educators with an opportunity to dive into the issues of freedom and forgiveness, equality and equanimity, reconciliation and redemption.
"The lessons based on this rare and true hero are multidimensional and multidisciplinary," says AFT President Randi Weingarten. "Teachers will be able to show clips of the movie in class to bring Mandela's incredible story alive and lead students through discussions that will help broaden their thinking about Mandela's imprisonment, his yearning for a democratic and nondiscriminatory country, and the legacy of his sacrifice and accomplishments."
The movie opens in select cities Nov. 29, with a nationwide release Dec. 25. Share My Lesson and The Weinstein Company are also offering educators who download the resources a chance to win tickets to take their class of 30 students to see the movie. [AFT media affairs, Share My Lesson]
October 23, 2013