Social classes may be explicitly defined as in a caste system or based more informally on such ideas as wealth or education. After reading and discussing an article about one woman's experience with trying to fit into a system different from the one in which she was raised, scholars consider how feelings of discomfort may affect performance.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, self-awareness, social classes, cultural awareness, culture, civic duty, point of view

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Instructional Ideas

• Include in the lesson Pat Mora's poem "Sonrisas"
• Have class members journal about where they see themselves on the continuum Della Mae Justice describes, or how they live in the doorway between two rooms as Pat Mora describes
• Hold a discussion about how coming from a different perspective may be useful

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies of the article about Della Mae Justice
• Some pupils may find the discussion uncomfortable

Pros

• The lesson encourages learners to consider how their background influences their point of view

Cons

• None