Curated OER
Migration and the Spirits of Life
Students study the Mexican traditions for the Day of the Dead. In this Mexican traditions instructional activity, students study monarch butterflies and learn about the role that the mariposa plays in the Day of the Dead. Students learn...
Teaching Tolerance
Collage of Concerns
A picture can speak louder than words. An interesting lesson introduces the themes of social justice and diversity to young learners by having them create artwork. Scholars create collages from a variety of sources to showcase what...
Missouri Department of Elementary
What Does Respect Look Like at Home?
Individuals consider why is it important to respect family members as they complete a self-respect survey to assess their respectful behaviors at home. They then choose three items from the survey and write about how they plan to improve...
Missouri Department of Elementary
A Stranger Among Us
The final lesson plan in the R.E.S.PE.C.T series asks eighth graders to expand their vision beyond the walls of the classroom and to consider how they can promote acceptance and respect of others within in the global community. "A...
Missouri Department of Elementary
I Know What You Did This Summer
Developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships is difficult, especially as middle schoolers begin dating. A short activity permits eighth graders to practice their skills as they consider how they should respond to a...
Curated OER
Different! Diverse! Dynamic! What Do Stories Share?
Students compare and contrast the stories, "Leo, the Late Bloomer," and "Thank You, Mr. Falker." They develop a Venn diagram, and write and illustrate the central theme of the stories.
Curated OER
Celebrating Diversity in Iowa Schools
Students examine the effect of cultural diversity on themselves and their community. They create a presentation to be given at a multi-school diversity conference. After listening to various cultures speak, they compare and contrast...
Curated OER
The Power of Words: Social Justice Words
Students role-play the position of a presidential candidate. They create their platform to include social justice programs and present it to the class. They answer questions to end the lesson.
Museum of Tolerance
My Experience with Injustice
As part of their preparation for a visit to the Museum of Tolerance, individuals are asked to write about a time when they witnessed or experienced unjust, biased, or prejudicial treatment. A great way for writers to make a personal...
Teaching Tolerance
Jim Crow as a Form of Racialized Social Control
Just because slavery was illegal doesn't mean it went away ... Jim Crow Laws took its place. An eye-opening lesson focuses on how Jim Crow Laws were used as a form of racial social control against African Americans in the United States....
Teaching Tolerance
Why Do We (Still) Celebrate Columbus Day?
What are we really celebrating on Columbus Day? The resource explores the narrative behind Columbus Day and ways for people to change the perception. Scholars also review vocabulary terms associated with the topic and how attitudes have...
Teaching Tolerance
Tweeting for Change
Do some good with social media. Secondary scholars participate in a live Twitter chat focusing on social justice issues. The thought-provoking activity allows academics to set up a live chat, create responses, and express their personal...
Teaching Tolerance
Mass Incarceration as a Form of Racialized Social Control
Mass incarceration: A result of a tough stance on crime or racial discrimination, you decide. Academics explore the history and reasons behind mass incarcerations in the United States and its impact on ethnic communities. The...
Teaching Tolerance
Racial Disparity in the Criminal Justice System
Explore the impact of the war on drugs in a thought-provoking lesson for high school academics. Young historians delve into the world of the criminal justice system and the racial disparity that occurs in the US. The resource provides...
Teaching Tolerance
Understanding the Prison Label
Break the chain. An engaging lesson examines why it is so hard to break free of the prison system in the US. Academics participate in a reader's theater, read primary sources, and discuss their thoughts. The lesson explains the hardships...
Museum of Tolerance
Improving My Community Through Social Action
Action is the heart of change. Encourage class members to not only identify critical social justice issues in their school or community but to take action as well. As individuals or as groups, they research a situation, develop a...
Teaching Tolerance
Introducing 'The New Jim Crow'
When Jim Crow Laws ended, the intent behind them did not. Academics read "The New Jim Crow Laws" and an interview from the author to understand how racism has not ended, but rather changed over time. The activity explains how prejudices...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Mourning
Students examine the way diverse groups can perceive a shared experience in a dramatically different light. Students read commentary written by Native American writers and find examples of different points of view. ...
Curated OER
Caring for Hair
Student explore the diverse ways that people care for their hair. In this Teaching Tolerance lesson plan, students interview hair-care providers to learn the hairstyles and hair care that they provide to their customers.
Curated OER
Visualizing School Equity
High schoolers examine the funding gap in school systems. In this diversity education lesson, students read an article regarding the inequitable school funding. High schoolers research information pertaining to school funding in their...
Curated OER
Circle Sculpture
Students discover the Theatre of the Oppressed. In this diversity lesson plan, students practice confronting injustice as they participate in "circle sculpture" to role play performance models that deal with social justice issues....
Curated OER
United We Stand
Student examine the life and work of Cesar Chavez. In this Teaching Tolerance lesson, students read about Cesar Chavez and recognize his work as a labor leader. Students discuss the concept of standing together as a group to fight...
Curated OER
Who Has Hair?
Students explore similarities and differences. In this Teaching Tolerance lesson, students read literature and participate in activities that features mammals and their hair. Students learn that they share things in common while we are...
Curated OER
Defusing School Violence
Students practice problem-solving skills as they listen to a scenario in which students defuse violence and tension at their own school. In this defusing school violence lesson, students discuss hate-based violence and brainstorm ways to...