Lesson Plans for Every Classroom
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Latinx and Complex
This lesson explores the origins and meanings of the terms Hispanic, Latino/a, Latinx, and Afro-Latino/a/x to critically understand the diversity within the Latino community. Research shows that about 68% of Latinos in the U.S. identify as Hispanic, while a significant portion prefers the term Latino/a or LatinX, reflecting personal and cultural preferences (Pew Research Center, 2020). Generational perspectives significantly influence how these identities are perceived. Among immigrant Latinos, 65% identify with their country of origin, but this drops to 36% for second-generation Latinos and just 26% for those in the third generation or higher, who are more likely to identify as "American" (Pew Research Center). This lesson will broaden students’ understanding of the relationship between identity and language and foster a deeper appreciation for the nuances within the Latino community.
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.
What is LGBTQIA+ History Month?
LGBTQ+ History Month is commemorated every year in October and was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a gay high school history teacher in Missouri. Wilson believed that a month should be dedicated to the celebration of gay and lesbian history. October was chosen to coincide with other existing traditions in October, such as Coming Out Day on October 11 and the first March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 14, 1979. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month and its origins, reflect on aspects of LGBTQ+ history to explore and identify one aspect of LGBTQ+ history to research in more depth.
Celebrating and Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the U.S. that honors the history, contributions and achievements of Hispanic American people. It takes place every year from September 15-October 15. Schools, communities and people celebrate National Hispanic Heritage (NHHM) in a variety of ways.This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, explore why we honor commemorative months about specific identity groups and communities, analyzes the language used to describe the Hispanic/Latino community and considers different ideas about how to commemorate the month and beyond.
Should 16- and 17-year Old's be Allowed to Vote?
At its core, voting is about expressing opinions. Whether it’s voting in a political election, completing a survey about a product or service, or liking a social media post, your vote is your voice. There is a long history of voting rights in the U.S., dating back to the ratification of the Constitution in 1877. As part of that history, 1971 was the year that the voting age was reduced from twenty-one to eighteen years old. There is a movement today to lower the voting age to sixteen. In this lesson, students will learn about the purpose of voting, reflect on their own points of view about whether the voting age should be lowered, and consider the pros and cons for allowing sixteen and seventeen year-olds to vote.
Social Class and How Classism Shows Up
Socioeconomic status and classism are not typically topics discussed in schools, communities or society. In fact, social class is often hidden and is a “taboo” subject. However, social class is an important aspect of identity and classism manifests among individuals and institutions in a myriad of ways, causing harm and injustice. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn and understand what socioeconomic status and classism are, explore how classism shows up in societal institutions and reflect on how classism can be addressed.
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.
Understanding Racism and Embracing Anti-Racism
Racism is all around us and permeates every aspect of our culture and society–from racist symbols and slurs, excluding people based on race, microaggressions, stereotypical or lack of representation in media portrayals and the discrimination faced by people of color in every institution in our society. Anti-racism offers a helpful way forward. The concept of anti-racism has a long history but has emerged in today’s conversations about racism, providing a way to talk about and actively fight against racism. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to understand the concepts of racism and anti-racism, reflect on examples of institutional racism and explore strategies for fostering anti-racism.
Colorism in the Entertainment Industry and Beyond
Colorism is a system of bias that privileges people with lighter skin and marginalizes people with darker skin. Colorism, closely related to racism, affects people in all walks of life including the entertainment industry, media, education, workplaces, the criminal justice system and other industries and institutions. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to understand what colorism is, explore its impact on individuals and society and suggest ways–by writing a persuasive letter or essay–to address and challenge colorism.