The CFT Labor in the Schools Committee has produced curricula for students at all levels of education, from pre-school coloring books to college and university readings, to union-based new member orientation programs. Here are some of our most popular and enduring lessons and materials.  For ordering information, click here.

ELEMENTARY CURRICULA

Let Me Tell You About This Man: Cesar Chavez, Union Organizer
A biography of the most successful farm labor organizer in American history, the man who built the first farm workers union that lasted. An icon for Latinos and unionists alike, Chavez created a movement based in the principles of union organizing and non-violent civil disobedience. Fourth and fifth grade. 24 pages. Spanish/English. $3

I, Tomato
A booklet for fourth graders, chronicling the life of a tomato—from the point of view of the tomato, with an emphasis on its interactions with workers who nurture it from seed to your table. Gives children a sense of the work that goes into food production and distribution. With study questions. 24 pages. Spanish/English. $3

The Yummy Pizza Company: A Labor Studies Curriculum for Elementary Schools
Ten lesson plans for elementary students (grades 1-5) introducing them to the world of work in a pizza factory simulation. Students learn how to apply for jobs, to work cooperatively on an assembly line, to retail their wares, to bank their earnings and—most importantly—to resolve conflicts through organization and negotiation. Available with student handouts in Spanish. 30 pages. $3

Trouble in the Hen House: A Puppet Show
Flexible elementary curriculum based on a play/puppet show about hens organizing against a mean farmer. Read as a story to K-1 students; grades 2-3 children can stage the puppet show; grades 4-5, use in a ‘readers theater’ format or students can stage play for a younger group. Students can make puppets and learn about the potential for power in collective action. 20 pages. $3

Along the Shore
A coloring book (grades K-3) presenting scenes from the lives of working people, focusing especially on longshore workers, but including many others, and simply but effectively showing the importance of unions in workers’ lives. Excellent for geography lessons as well. 24 pages. Spanish or English. $3

HIGH SCHOOL & UP

Golden Lands, Working Hands
This powerful ten-part video series brings the hidden history of working people to light. Golden Lands, Working Hands documents the events and issues central to California labor history, from the Gold Rush through the present. The award-winning series has been seen on public television and in museum exhibits, in high school and college classrooms and in union halls.  Three hours total on two DVDs, with CD of lesson plans, student activities, readings and handouts. $20 videos only; $25 with CD.  

Collective Bargaining Education Project
In the morning, when the students arrive, they know little or nothing about unions and collective bargaining. At the end of the day, they can tell you what the union is—and they like the idea. Based on the popular education techniques of Paolo Freire, the CBEP provides a range of labor history and contemporary union organizing and collective bargaining role plays for the high school classroom. CBEP can also organize a one-day Institute for 100 students, as well as teacher inservices. To order the entire role play curriculum, Workplace Issues and Collective Bargaining in the Classroom (w/ video $10) or for more info, call 213-386-3144.

Safe Jobs for Youth
Most teens don’t know their rights and protections on the job, or how they can work together to make change in the workplace. Teaching curricula, fact sheets about labor laws for youth and parents, and other resources are available at www.youngworkers.org. Youth can get involved in leadership academies, the teen ‘safe workplace’ poster contest, and our annual Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign. Coordinated by U.C. Berkeley’s Labor Occupational Health Program. Call 510-643-2424 for more info.

Work, Money and Power: Unions in the 21st Century
Pamphlet explaining what unions are and do, including an overview of labor history and compelling evidence for the continuing importance of unions in workers’ lives. High school and up. 24 pages. 1-99 copies $1.25 each; 100 or more copies, $1 each. Order at 510-643-7089.

OTHER

California Labor History Map
A large full color wall poster (44 x 33 inches) map of California with the locations and brief explanations of more than 250 key labor history events. Perfect for union hall or classroom wall. $5

Resource Guide for Teachers
The best practices and materials we’ve come across at all grade levels. 28 pages. Available as a PDF by clicking here. FREE