Although Labor Day is certainly a nice opportunity to rest from our usual labors, it’s also an opportunity to help our students understand the roller coaster of worker/owner relations through history. To explain the history and purpose of the holiday, the Department of Labor provides this short Labor Day video, appropriate for 3rd grade and up.
For older students, the movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South explores the struggles of both mill owners and workers in 19th century England. Despite the English setting, the themes are reminiscent of American struggles in the same time period. The classic novel is a great read, or choose the four-part movie adaptation instead.
Dear America book So Far from Home explores similar themes in cotton mills. An elementary-appropriate Dear America video is also available for that much-shorter read.
Finally, YouTube videos about mining strikes and worker issues are not only abundant, but often take place in West Virginia.
Regardless of how you celebrate, we hope you enjoy the Labor Day weekend respite!
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