All Posts

Welcome to a 365-day journey of American Black History. This collection, produced by Caterpillar Curriculum Co., is designed to spark meaningful discussion, encourage curiosity, and invite deeper exploration for learners in grades 3–12—throughout the year and especially during Black History Month. Rather than rushing through history, these workbooks are intentionally structured so that one or two pages may be explored each day. Families and educators are encouraged to pause,

The history of enslavement is one of brutality, loss, and injustice. That truth is not denied here. At the same time, History is also clear on something else: enslaved people were human beings , and human beings do not live every moment in despair, even under extreme oppression. Food, children, and shared moments have always had the power to lift spirits , even in the hardest conditions. ⸻ For enslaved families, preparing food was rarely about pleasure alone. It was about sur

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) helps us understand the deep psychological damage of slavery and gives parents and educators a guide for how to teach without dominating. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) says that all humans need three things to grow in a healthy way: Autonomy – choice and control over one’s life Competence – the ability to learn skills and feel capable Relatedness – connection, belonging, and dignity These needs are not cultural preferences. They are psycholog

Teaching American History across a racial divide is a challenge—one we don’t take lightly. Black and White parents often carry different burdens when approaching American History, but the weight can be heavy for both. Black and White Americans share a deeply intertwined history. From the earliest days of Colonial America, Black and White lives were woven together—often through force. When connections were formed through labor, land, law, family structures, religion, and the e