Lesson Plans for Every Classroom
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Freedom, Facts, and the Fight for Fairness: Understanding Juneteenth through Literature
This lesson introduces elementary students to the meaning and importance of Juneteenth using the picture book Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper. Through read-aloud, discussion, and creative activities, students will explore the themes of freedom, justice, remembrance, and celebration.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first proposed by Indigenous people at a 1977 United Nations conference. Their goal in proposing this day was to prevent bias and discrimination against Indigenous people and also to counter the inaccurate story that Christopher Columbus “discovered” the Americas. Many states, by law and proclamation, officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. And yet, many people don’t know much about the history, cultures, heritages and traditions of Indigenous peoples. This lesson plan provides an opportunity for students to learn what Indigenous Peoples’ Day is, understand the holiday’s history and explore various aspects of Indigenous people.
Supporting People with Disabilities
Every day in schools and classrooms, children with disabilities are excluded, teased, bullied and are targets of prejudice. Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers who do not have a disability. When exclusion, teasing or bullying happens, other children may want to help, but they are not sure how or may be afraid to do so. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn about people with disabilities, the exclusion and prejudice they face and how to act as an ally when they see harmful language and behavior.