CA Social Justice Approach

Essential Question

How do I know I’m part of a group?
What identities do I share with my family? What identities do I have that are different from my family?
How do people show that they are proud of themselves?
Does my identity mean I get to do things other kids can’t, or keep me from doing something?
How can I learn more about other people?
How can I show people I like them?
What does it mean to be unfair? In class? In school? At home? In my community? In the world?
How do I know when people are being treated unfairly?
How have people been treated unfairly in the past?
How have people stopped unfairness in the past?
Does the way a person looks make it okay for others to be mean?
Who decides what is fair?
How can I be kind to all people?
How do I speak up when I see people treated unfairly?
Why is it scary to speak up sometimes?
What does it mean to feel good about myself and how can I express that I like who I am?

Texts

Literature

We Live By What We See at Night

In this poem, the speaker addresses his father, recalling for him the lush Puerto Rican landscape that he grew up in. Now, this green can be seen only in his father's dreams.

Martin Espada

Grade Level

3-5 6-8

Subject

Geography

Topic

Immigration

July 3, 2014

Literature

The Misfits

In this excerpt, the reader meets two characters from The Misfits: Addie, a girl who is exceptionally tall and smart for a middle schooler and Joe, who is creative and feminine in a way that makes his peers nervous.

James Howe

Grade Level

3-5 6-8 9-12

Topic

Gender & Sexual Identity

July 3, 2014

Literature

Sometimes

Toby and Clemmie love each other very much. Sometimes Clemmie has to go to the hospital though, and it can be scary. Luckily, Toby and Clemmie know how to make the best out of every situation—even ones that involve a trip to the hospital.

Rebecca Elliott

Grade Level

K-2

Topic

Ability

July 7, 2014

Student Tasks

Do Something

Artistic Expression Showcase

Students produce original art (visual art, music, drama or poetry) that conveys an anti-bias or social justice message. Students then plan a public showcase of their work.

Grade Level

3-5

July 13, 2014

Do Something

Buddy Share

Students choose a mode of expression—e.g., writing, art or storytelling—to share theme-related ideas and feelings with a “buddy” from outside the classroom.

Grade Level

K-2

July 13, 2014

Do Something

Teachers Against Child Detention Book and Letter Drive

Estimated Time One week Why? Sharing a book they love helps students develop empathy. Articulating why the book is meaningful to them challenges students to communicate their thoughts and feelings in writing

Grade Level

K-2 3-5 6-8 9-12

February 6, 2019

Plan Built By

mroaoliva

CA Social Justice Approach

We Live By What We See at Night

The Misfits

Sometimes

Artistic Expression Showcase

Buddy Share

Teachers Against Child Detention Book and Letter Drive

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