The focus of the second lesson in the Standing Up for Democracy unit is on the power of assumptions based on a single experience or point of view. Class members begin by journaling about assumptions others make about their identity based on their appearance. They then analyze a cartoon with the same theme, and watch Chimamanda Ngoz Adichie's dynamic video of the dangers of letting a single story form our opinion of others. The two-day lessons ends with class members reflecting in their journals about the connections between single stories and stereotypes.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, identity, democracy, prejudice, self-awareness, stereotypes, discrimination, grouping

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Introduce and have class members practice the Concentric Circles discussion format
• Prior to the lesson, preview the entire resource to become familiar with the rationales and contexts for the various aspects of the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a free login to access materials
• Second of 15 lessons in the Standing Up for Democracy unit
• Presumes a protocol is in place for a safe, respectful discussion of sensitive issues
• Requires copies of multiple materials

Pros

• The lesson encourages individuals to make personal connections to the central theme by asking them to reflect on stereotypes others apply to them

Cons

• None