African Heritage

Dear Educators,

Exposing kids to different food choices and preparation methods can help teach them about cultural diversity. Linking food choices to family heritage helps make these choices more meaningful to students from diverse backgrounds.

This also can help teach kids about history. We recognize the history of African enslavement is complex, and the brutal treatment of people can evoke many feelings. Students may need previous learning to process and understand enslavement. With respect for each teacher and their students readiness for learning about enslavement, key concepts related to the history of enslavement and greens are not included in this lesson. There is, however, a document that provides the history and significance of greens during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This document is intended to be used with the suggested activity for 5th graders to support the new Social Science Standards Integrated with Ethnic Studies.

African Heritage Traditions: Greens!*

There are a wide variety of greens and various ways to prepare and eat them. In this lesson, students will explore different types of leafy greens, learn about African heritage food traditions and culture and read about community members who share how they prepare greens. Finally, students will have an opportunity to reflect and share on their own family heritage and how they eat greens. Includes grade-level activity suggestions.

*This lesson was adapted with permission from Oldways, A Children's Taste of African Heritage curriculum.