Historical and Cultural Thinking
This strand explores how the diversity of the world's population is its strength. Students examine the powerful role of slavery in shaping Caribbean society, East Indian contributions to the region, migration patterns, and the rich cultural mosaic that fosters regional interactions through sports, culture, and music.
Grade Six Expectations for Historical and Cultural Thinking
Essential Learning Outcome: Understanding Slavery's End
To understand the diversity of the world's population is its strength and how slavery came to an end.
- Identify the different groups that worked to end slavery
- Understand the major milestones in the struggle for emancipation
- Appreciate the contributions of enslaved people and European abolitionists
- Build timelines of major milestones in the struggle for emancipation
- Value the contribution of enslaved people in resisting slavery
- Understand the significance of Emancipation Day celebrations
Focus Questions:
How did slavery come to an end?
Who were the key groups that fought against slavery?
What were the major milestones in achieving emancipation?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Six, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Monitor participation in dramatizations, cultural presentations, and timeline activities
- Conversations: Historical discussions, cultural appreciation dialogues, migration impact debates
- Products: Emancipation timelines, cultural collages, migration maps, research presentations
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Historical timeline rubrics
- Cultural presentation checklists
- Research project evaluation criteria
- Creative expression assessment guides
- Peer assessment for collaborative activities
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Digital Resources
- Emancipation Day celebration videos
- East Indian cultural documentaries
- Caribbean sports and music archives
- Migration pattern interactive maps
- Historical timeline creation tools
- Cultural festival virtual tours
- Oral history interview platforms
- Creative expression digital tools
Physical Materials
- Historical photographs and artifacts
- Cultural clothing and accessories
- Musical instruments from different cultures
- World maps and atlases
- Timeline creation materials
- Art supplies for creative projects
- Cultural food samples for exploration
- Interview recording equipment
Teacher Content Knowledge
The end of slavery in the Caribbean resulted from efforts by both enslaved Africans who resisted through various means and European abolitionists who campaigned for emancipation. Key milestones include the British Abolition Act of 1833 and full emancipation in 1838. Understanding this history helps students appreciate the struggle for freedom and human rights.
East Indians came to the Caribbean as indentured servants after emancipation to work on sugar plantations. They brought rich cultural traditions including Hinduism, Islam, festivals like Diwali, foods like roti and curry, and music like chutney. Their contributions significantly enriched Caribbean cultural diversity.
Migration from the Caribbean has been driven by economic opportunities, education, and family reunification. Common destinations include North America, the UK, and other Caribbean islands. While migration can lead to brain drain, it also creates diaspora communities that maintain strong cultural and economic ties to their home countries.