How U.S. Teachers are Discussing January 6th

January 5, 2022

[Image Source: Keith Lance/Getty Images]

Cited article by Cory Turner, NPR

HRRC expresses support for seeking truth, justice, and accountability for what happened on January 6, 2021 in the U.S. As the January 6th committee continues conducting its investigation, it is important that organizations like us continue to emphasize all efforts to keep accurate accounts of the events that took place. Misinformation and disinformation can be dangerous, and teaching students media literacy is essential.

Article Summary

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the January 6 Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. While discussing the events last year were difficult, teachers say this year they face new challenges and difficulties due to the significant political divides and misinformation that leave many without basic facts of what occurred that day. Through conversations with teachers, educators, and civics experts, NPR provides 8 primary methods that teachers are discussing the Insurrection with their students.

1. Don't assume students know what happened

2. Create a safe space for debate

3. Teach students how to find the facts

4. Helping students develop news literacy is a top concern

5. But beware of creating a false equivalence between two sides of a debate

6. Teach students to pay attention to the words used to describe an event

7. People make choices and choices make history

8. Look for parallels in American history