Exploring Cultures Around the World

Essential Question

Are people all the same?
What are the differences between how I live and how others live?
How can I learn more about other people?
Do different people feel the same way?
Does everyone belong to the same groups?
How can I show people I like them?

Texts

Informational

Families

This excerpt explains that families are defined by love, caring and sharing, not the number or gender of its members.

Ann Morris

Grade Level

K-2 3-5 6-8

Topic

Race & Ethnicity Religion Class Immigration

November 7, 2014

Informational

Brothers In Hope: The Story of The Lost Boys of Sudan

In this excerpt, Garang tells his story of how he became a lost boy when war destroyed his village. Walking with thousands of other orphaned boys, Garang travels thousands of dangerous miles from southern Sudan to a refugee camp in Ethiopia.

Mary Williams and R. Gregory Christie (illustrator)

Grade Level

K-2 3-5

Subject

History

Topic

Race & Ethnicity

September 30, 2016

Literature

Antonio's Card/La tarjeta de Antonio

In this story, Antonio learns that words have power, and that can be both a good and bad thing. As Mother’s Day approaches he must decide how to show his love for his mother and her partner and whether he wants that declaration to be public.

Rigoberto González and Cecilia Concepción Álvarez

Grade Level

K-2

Topic

Race & Ethnicity Gender & Sexual Identity

July 29, 2016

Teaching Strategies

Exploring Texts Through Read Alouds

Developing Language to Talk About Texts

This strategy gives students tools to use when exploring, thinking about and discussing read-aloud texts.

Grade Level

K-2

CCSS

RL.K-2.3

July 13, 2014

Exploring Texts Through Read Alouds

Examining Texts

Children will learn about the key components of paper and online text structure. Students will also gain the terminology necessary to talk about the structure and parts of a text.

Grade Level

K-2

CCSS

RI.K-2.5, RI.K-2.6, RL.K-2.5, RL.K-2.6

July 13, 2014

Exploring Texts Through Read Alouds

Liberation Literature and Counter-narratives

This strategy exposes students to literature that places out-group identities at the center of the curriculum.

Grade Level

K-2

CCSS

RI.K-1.1

July 13, 2014

Student Tasks

Do Something

Community Bulletin Board

Students showcase artwork and nonfiction writing that addresses issues they found in the text. The result is a visual, collaborative and creative representation of student learning and ideas. An alternative to the bulletin board is a community newsletter.

Grade Level

K-2

July 13, 2014

Do Something

Community Puzzle Mural

Students create a community puzzle mural, a large-scale artistic depiction, usually displayed in a community space. Puzzle pieces covered in student’s artwork relating to diversity, anti-bias or social justice themes from the central text comprise the mural.

Grade Level

K-2

July 13, 2014

Do Something

Community Spotlight Cards

Students create “trading cards” spotlighting diverse community members who work toward social justice goals that connect to themes from the central text.

Grade Level

K-2

July 13, 2014

Plan Built By

igarcia

Exploring Cultures Around the World

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