Using this Site : A Note to Classroom Teachers

What if I don't know much about labor history or these strikes?
Part of why we’ve developed this project is to assist teachers and students alike. If you read the introductory essays included here and review the key vocabulary, you should have enough background. For more information on the strikes, see the resources listed under Minneapolis '34. See Unions 101 for more some basics about unions.

What if I only have one class period?
If you only have one class period, see "Only Have One Class Period".  The video is 18 minutes long, so we suggest leading the introductory exercise, showing the film and facilitating a discussion using some of the listed questions. If you are only able to devote one class period to the history of the strikes, please share the additional resources at this site with other teachers (Art, Music, English) at your school.

What if I have multiple class periods to devote to the strikes?
If you have two or more class periods, we suggest following the directions above for your first class and then selecting from the different activities for the others. You may also want to consider a field trip or inviting a guest speaker.

Is there a role play activity/ something interactive that I can use?
There is a role play exercise included here. It is designed as a three class period activity that allows students to experience the events of the strikes from different perspectives. If you decide to use the activity, please note that the role play directions rely on the class watching segments of the film throughout the activity. See the directions for more details.

Do these strikes lend themselves well to History Day?
The themes captured by the 1934 Minneapolis trucker strikes provide excellent material for History Day projects. Dozens of students have created award-winning projects related to the strikes. We've included brief biographies for students interested in pursuing projects related to individuals in labor history and a list of previous History Day entries related to the strikes.

What if I am not a Social Studies teacher?
The history of the strikes can easily support a variety of classroom subjects. Many of the resources and activities included here would work well in English, Art, Music and other classes.