The West Virginia Labor History book
provides a curriculum for the classroom which,

• introduces the "players" in the history of labor in West Virginia,

• demonstrates the interrelatedness of the players,

• teaches the work process,

• presents the concept of unionism,

• profiles workers themselves,

• and introduces the work environment and work culture to students.

To realize these goals, the authors created Jimmy Higgins, a fictional character who appears in the curriculum as a newsboy and who was a star labor reporter at the turn of the century. Jimmy and his scrapbook of newspaper articles introduce students to various people, processes, and events that contributed to the working class experience in West Virginia.

The curriculum has been designed as a "free-standing" unit. Originally designed for students of the eighth grade, it is easily adapted to other levels.

Each lesson includes historical background material, teaching objectives, a lesson plan, articles or worksheets, and additional activities. Although the lessons are organized to build on concepts presented, they lend themselves to separate use.

West Virginia Labor History is an attractive, well written, and highly adaptable curriculum. E-mail or call the Council's office for your copies today!

and remember... we also have available, West Virginia History: Critical Essays on the Literature... take a look!