Objectives

• Locate the Caribbean islands on a map
• Recognize indigenous presence in the Caribbean
• Trace the history of slavery/forced labor on the islands and how it has impacted the current demographics
• Recognize that the Caribbean is not culturally, linguistically, politically, or historically homogenous.
• Understand the motives behind Caribbean migration to the U.S.
• Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place, as well as broader historical contexts.
• Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.
• Be able to support an argument, claim, or position using strong textual evidence.

 

Lesson Plan Outlines

Lesson 1: Who is Caribbean?

Focus: Contemporary Caribbean demographics, indigenous peoples, the Haitian Revolution, and indentured slaves.

Teacher's instructions and lesson plan will help you get started on activities and objective

Related Lesson Plans/Activities 

• The National Archives Education Service - Resistance and Rebellion in the Caribbean  
• Pierre Toussaint-L'Ouverture Leads a Slave Revolt in Haiti - Teaching with Primary Sources 
• Caribbean Connections, Overview of Regional History and Classroom Resources.pdf 

 

Lesson 2: Migration to the U.S.

Focus: Motives for migration, settlement in the United States, and case studies

The teacher instructions and lesson plan will help you get started on classroom activities and objectives.

Lesson 3: Caribbean Labor in Connecticut

Focus: Learn about shade tobacco, Jamaican labor, Puerto Rican Labor.

The teacher's instructions and lesson plan will help you get started on activities and objectives.  

Related Lesson Plans/Activities 

• Existing Lesson Plan by Elena Marie Rosario, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate in History, University of Michigan discussing Post-World War II Puerto Rican Farm Labor Migration to Connecticut 

Student Activities

Lesson 1 Activities: 

Activity 1.1: Find These Countries

Activity.1.2: Analyzing Maroon Art

Activity 1.3: The Haitian Revolution

Activity 1.4: Indentured Servants

Lesson 2 Activities

Activity 2.1: Case Study on Jean Desir

Activity 2.2: Migrant Journal Entry

Activity 2.3: Examining Caribbean Migrant Narratives

Lesson 3 Activities

Activity 3.1: Shade Tobacco Promotional Film 

Activity 3.2: Home Away From Home

Activity 3.3: Analyzing Primary Sources

Complimentary Sources

Lesson 1 Complimentary Sources

Lesson 2 Complimentary Sources

Lesson 3 Complimentary Sources