University of New Mexico
César Chávez: Migrant Farm Workers and Their Leader
During the first week of instruction, middle schoolers research biographies on Cesar Chavez and make a pictorial collage of his life. For the second and third week, they maintain a seven-day diary of a farmworker and write a poem. For...
Curated OER
Women of Achievement Month
Successful women make their mark in fields from computers, journalism, labor and racing
EngageNY
Reading Closely: Introducing Chávez’s Commonwealth Club Address and Considering the Plight of the Farmworker
How can a persuasive speech help inspire social change? Scholars read along as they listen to the first half of César Chávez's 1984 speech, "Commonwealth Club Address." Next, pupils use graphic organizers to analyze one of Chávez's...
Curated OER
Esperanza Rising: Lesson 9
Sixth graders explore culture by reading a book with classmates. In this Hispanic history lesson, 6th graders read the story First Day in Grapes, and discuss the tough lives of migrant workers. Students answer study questions after the...
PBS
Cesar Chavez: Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist
Cesar Chavez believed so much in the cause of farmworkers that he put his money where his mouth was. Chavez quit his well-paying job to organize them into labor unions. Using a speech, photograph, and short biographical video, pupils...
Facing History and Ourselves
California Grape Workers’ Strike: 1965–66
The California grape workers' strike of 1965-66 is the focus of a lesson that asks high schoolers to investigate the strategies farmworkers used to organize and gain contracts with grape growers that ensured higher waters and better work...
Curated OER
Who Are America's Harvesters?
Students explore the changes in American farming practices. Through several days of reading and research, students write an essay explaining the changes that have led to the need for migrant workers. Students discuss how workers are...
Curated OER
Farmworkers and the Union: A Lesson from Viva La Causa
Students examine the role of labor unions. In this labor union lesson, students watch "Viva la Causa" and discuss the working conditions that led farm workers to strike. Students also read a handout regarding labor unions and share their...
Curated OER
"Escuela" Debate
Learners observe a documentary on "Escuela" to explore the life and education of migrant families. After discussing the related topics in the movie, students share their conclusions migrant farmworkers. Using the Internet and other...
Curated OER
Esperanza Rising: Lesson 7
Sixth graders discuss the vocabulary word, "migrate" and what it means and how it relates to the novel they are reading, Esperanza Rising. In this novel lesson, 6th graders read chapter 7 of their novel in small groups and complete a...
Curated OER
Esperanza Rising
Students explore foreign cultures by reading a story in class. In this Hispanic history lesson, students read the story Radio Man by Arthur Dorros and identify the times discrimination is used in the story. Students discuss labor...
Other
Escort: Educating Migrant Children
With links and resources, this organization uses federal funding (among other sources) to run a hotline for migrant farm workers and their families (National Migrant Education Hotline), to publish teaching kits (for teachers at all...
Other
The Farmworkers' Website: Los Braceros (1942 1964)
Comprehensive and well-developed site that provides a variety of information about migrant farm workers, working conditions and failed legislation to remedy the problems. Excellent resource.
PBS
News Hour: Mexicans React to Immigration Crisis in u.s. (2006)
Fascinating look at the Mexican viewpoint of the immigration debate in the United States. Transcript, audio, and video of this July, 2006, report available.
Other
The Mexican Braceros: The Official Bracero Agreement
Text of the official agreement between the governments of the United States and Mexico during World War II.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Cesar Chavez
Excellent biography of Cesar Chavez, with links to learn more about his greats goals. You can access an English version of this biography by clicking the "Regresar" button, clicking on Humanitarians, and selecting Cesar Chaves from the...
Curated OER
El Paso Herald Post
This is a brief history of the WWII Bracero Program which hired Mixcan migrant workers for American farms.
Curated OER
City of Juarez.
This is a brief history of the WWII Bracero Program which hired Mixcan migrant workers for American farms.
Curated OER
Bracero Small Id.
This is a brief history of the WWII Bracero Program which hired Mixcan migrant workers for American farms.
Curated OER
Long Live the Braceros!
Comprehensive and well-developed site that provides a variety of information about migrant farm workers, working conditions and failed legislation to remedy the problems. Excellent resource.