In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, educators across the country are examining how to foster meaningful classroom conversations around national identity, civics, and history. The following lesson plan emerges from the thinking of young people on the topic of patriotism within Volume 26 of PLATO’s Questions: Philosophy for Young People … Patriotism Explored through Art
Materials: Pre-printed cards in three categories: relationship, occupation, and dwelling (see below) Description: See the Lesson Plan Attachment above for slides you can use in class to help with this exercise (slides were developed by Jane Shay of the Evergreen School). This exercise is intended to explore the question, “What is fairness?” by giving students … Hand Dealt
This lesson plan requires either the book The Gift of the Great Buffalo, written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Ally McKnight or a video read-aloud of the book. Book Summary This is a historical adventure of Rose, a girl from the Metis tribe, who lived in the late 1800s. The Metis practiced biannual (twice … The Gift of the Great Buffalo
Prompt: First Woman and the Strawberry (A Cherokee Legend), Retold by Gloria Dominic Story Summary This is a Cherokee story that explains how strawberry came to be created. The First Man and the First Woman had a disagreement and got angry with each other. The First Woman walked away and the First Man, upon realizing … First Woman and the Strawberry
This lesson plan is based on the book Ka-ha-Si and the Loon (An Eskimo Legend), written and adapted by Terri Cohlene A read-aloud video of the book is available on the Video tab. This is an Eskimo legend that tells the story of a boy named Ka-ha-si, who was accused of being lazy because he … Ka-ha-si and the Loon
Warm-up While technical issues with the video are being handled, allow participants to choose their art supplies and explain that they are free to make art while participating in class and listening to each other. Invite participants to think about their hopes, goals, and fears about participating with the group. Stimulus (9 minutes) Watch video … Inclusivity and Difference
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is a groundbreaking diary that gives first-hand experiences of the Holocaust. Anne Frank is a teen who lived through this historically horrible event by hiding in an annex with her family Otto (father), Edith (mother), Margot (sister), and some others (Hermann Van Pels, Auguste Van Pels, Peter … Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Understanding Animal Farm by George Orwell Materials Steps involved 1. Introduction Journal: Can you think of an instance where you found it difficult to stand up for what you believe in because of the beliefs of those around you? Were you able to overcome this obstacle? Why or why not? 2. Watch the “Animal Farm … Understanding Animal Farm
A Utilitarian Perspective The attached PowerPoint (also found on the Resources tab of this lesson plan) introduces Mill’s idea of higher and lower pleasures by incorporating short videos showing forms of both higher and lower pleasures. Students will discuss, first, whether it is possible to distinguish between high and lower pleasures and, if so, to … Flowers for Algernon
Topic: Immigration This is a complex topic and can best be discussed in the context of concrete examples. In general, immigration is the movement of people from one tribe or nation to another. Immigration has been occurring since humans appeared on the planet and has always been viewed through different lens. Background Some brief historical … Immigration: A Complex Issue