Do teach a Trail of Tears lesson as part of your social studies instruction in upper elementary? The Trail of Tears is definitely a difficult but essential chapter in American history. Teaching it with care and sensitivity will help your students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of our nation’s past. I know it’s a tough topic. But, it’s so important to ensure that your students learn about the impact of forced removal on Native American communities.

Here are five reasons why I believe it is important to include the Trail of Tears in your curriculum this year:

Encourages Empathy

I have found time and again that learning about the experiences of the Cherokee and other Native American tribes has helped my students develop a better understanding of the real people behind these sad historical events.

Develops Critical Thinking

A Trail of Tears lesson lends itself so well to awesome classroom discussions. Discussing the decisions and policies that led to the Indian Removal Act with your kiddos encourages them to analyze fairness, justice, and government power.

Connects to American History

For me, I always include a short trail of tears lesson in my unit on westward expansion. The Trail of Tears is closely linked to westward expansion, Andrew Jackson’s presidency, and the impact of government policies on different groups. It is such a simple and impactful lesson and discussion to add into your American history lesson plans. Be sure to grab your FREE Trail of Tears printable map! I hope you find this simple tool helpful!

Incorporates Primary Sources

Reading letters, maps, and firsthand accounts brings history to life and helps students engage with real voices from the past. For me, a Trail of Tears lesson always lends itself well to weaving in these primary sources. My kids love them, and they always learn so much.

Encourages Meaningful Discussions

Teaching this topic allows students to explore themes of resilience, cultural identity, and human rights in history and today. The meaningful classroom discussions that come from a Trail of Tears lesson are amazing. I am always blown away by the importance of the discussions amongst my kids and the questions they ask. How valuable this topic has been to my kids’ learning cannot be overstated.

I know this topic can be a hard one to address with young learners. But, doing so is so valuable for your students. You will not be disappointed by the learning outcomes and the spark it brings to your classroom. If you’re looking for a simple, age-appropriate way to introduce this topic, check out my “What Was the Trail of Tears?” reading passage. This passage provides an engaging and thoughtful overview for upper elementary students. It presents the facts in a way that is clear, respectful, and accessible, helping students grasp the significance of this event while fostering meaningful conversations in your classroom.

You can also check out the Trail of Tears Lesson Plan and Video from the National Park Service. I have included likes to both of them below! Our National Park Service is such a wonderful resource to tap into if you are looking for ways to make history come to life in your classroom.

• National Park Service Trail of Tears Lesson Plan
• National Park Service Trail of Tears Video

Save This Post For Later

If you teach a Trail of Tears lesson in your upper elementary or middle school classroom, be sure save this post to your favorite Pinterest board so that you can easily refer to it when the time is right.