Teaching Tolerance
Modern-Day Heroes: People Who Are Making a Difference
Not all superheroes wear capes. An engaging lesson delves into the world of modern-day heroes and activists for change. Academics learn there are many different ways to be a hero as well as explore what makes a person a hero. The...
Curated OER
Confronting the -Isms
Students keep "Mindwatch" diaries to chart their own prejudices and stereotypes. In this social justice lesson plan, students monitor their own reactions to people who are different from themselves. Students identify and discuss patterns...
Curated OER
Countering Homophobia: Feelings, Tolerance, Sexuality, Stereotypes
Students explore and discuss name-calling, feelings and myths relating to homosexuality through labeling feelings and participating in a game.
Curated OER
Treasure Chest for Change
Students fill treasure chests. In this Holocaust lesson, students participate in an activity that requires them to find the value in everyday items.
Curated OER
Beauty
High schoolers share what they think of when they hear the word beautiful. Individually, they bring in an object they believe is beautiful based on its relationship to a person, idea or event. They view each others object and write...
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Is the media aiding Global Peace when reporting on religion?
Students play 'telephone' to simulate communication difficulties. In this media analysis lesson, students read and analyze newspaper articles related to religious tensions between the Pope and Muslims. Students evaluate the...
Curated OER
Homeless in America
Students study the plight of the American homeless. In this homelessness lesson, students define homelessness and watch video segments pertaining to the the American homeless. Students list three reasons people become homeless and five...
Curated OER
Same and Different
Students explore similarities and differences. They name ways they are alike and different from their peers.
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Breaking the Barrier
Students participate in a game based on bullying. In this social justice lesson, students read Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and discuss the mistreatment of African-Americans in the book. Students then relate the treatment...
Curated OER
Colors of My Skin
Students cooperate in small groups to prepare paint colors that match their own skin colors. They share a variety of paint colors which they mix individually to create a shade that matches their own skin tone. They discuss the colors...
Curated OER
Late Bloomers
Young scholars demonstrate an understanding that individuals grow at various rates. In this health lesson, students read Leo, the Late Bloomer and identify ways to be tolerant of others. Young scholars record the height of classmates and...
Curated OER
Indian Removal: Does History Always Reflect progress?
Students explore the idea that progress for some might not mean progress for all. In this Native American lesson, students recognize different viewpoints about historical events through the study of primary documents. Students decipher...
Curated OER
Different! Diverse! Dynamic! Lesson 1: Late Bloomers
Students examine how people grow and mature at different rates. They create a graph and a timeline to organize the data they collect.
Curated OER
Courage to Be You: King Day (7th)
Students define discrimination and relate it to their own experiences. In this discrimination lesson plan, students discuss feeling like a stranger and complete a personal experiences worksheet. Students then find strategies to reduce or...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on Tolerance
Students, through discussion, internet and video resources, study the history of Northern Ireland and the religious segregation between Catholics and Protestants. They evaluate the current political situation and predict what the future...
Missouri Department of Elementary
My Action Plan
To complete a study of the importance of developing a positive self-image, high school seniors complete an "Action Plan for Maintaining Who I Am" worksheet. They then submit their finished worksheets for inclusion in their Personal...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Positive Self Talk
Mirror, mirror. Hook sophomores into the benefits of positive self-talk with a lesson that asks them to reflect on the roles they play at home, at school, and in their communities. Class members fill out a “Looking At Me In My...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Survivors
Developing a positive self-concept can sometimes be a challenge. Seventh graders engage in an activity that helps them identify their individual strengths and helps them recognize how these strengths can contribute to being a successful...
Teaching Tolerance
Artistic Expression Showcase
No one is too young to create a masterpiece. Elementary artists delve into the topic of social justice with original artwork. Scholars keep journals to reflect on their experiences before putting paintbrush to paper. Final artwork is...
Missouri Department of Elementary
What Does Respect Look Like in School?
What does it mean to be respectful? Scholars complete a self-assessment worksheet to determine just how respectful they are. Next, they choose three items from the survey and write plans for how to improve in those areas.
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
Putting on Armor
Peers can exert tremendous pressure that can lead to positive and negative consequences. To conclude the Risky Business unit, class members create a Personal Safety Plan. They list things or situations that cause stress, things they have...
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...