Author: jodiroe

#USvsHate

Appreciating Differences and Acknowledging Stereotypes

From the classroom of Caroline Wright (SDAWP 2017)

The “Appreciating Differences and Acknowledging Stereotypes” resource from Welcoming Schools prompts conversation about how groups of people can share similarities and differences, while highlighting how stereotypes can prevent us from seeing each other as unique individuals

View the “Appreciating Differences and Acknowledging Stereotypes” lesson plan reel HERE.

For a related lesson, visit Overcoming Obstacles: Avoiding Stereotypes from Overcoming Obstacles. 

The Recognizing and Countering Stereotypes post provides additional resources for exploration.  

How do you foster a classroom environment where students feel safe and comfortable discussing stereotypes? How do you encourage students to explore the impact of stereotypes on individuals and communities?

#USvsHate

Recognizing and Countering Stereotypes

From the classroom of Cindy Duran (SDAWP 2021)

The short animated video, Stereotypes for Kids: What are Stereotypes? explains that our brains are wired to categorize things. However, when we categorize people, we make assumptions based on superficial traits, overlooking the unique qualities of individuals. By explicitly teaching young people to recognize and challenge stereotypes, they learn to see people for who they truly are rather than as representatives of a group.

Pair the video with “Just Because” poetry writing, which empowers students to challenge the stereotypes they encounter. Read the powerful Just Because poetry written by International Rescue Committee youth.

How do you introduce your students to the concept of stereotypes? How do teach them to resist and counter stereotyping?

View the What Are Stereotypes? lesson plan reel HERE.

The #USvsHate submission was created by a middle school Diversity Club in Farmington, CT. Teacher and club advisor Deborah Szabo explains, “Students prepared and taught an advisory lesson to fellow middle school students called #resist hate about how stereotypes can hurt and divide us. They created this poster for the day’s events.”

Resources

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#USvsHate

Building Community with “My Name”

From the classroom of Miriam Sikking (SDAWP 2010)

Now that the new school year is underway for many of us, it’s important to take time to recognize and honor student identities as we work to build inclusive school communities. At #SDAWP, we often turn to the powerful “My Name” excerpt from The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. We would love to hear about the readings you use to inspire writing and celebrate the names of your students.

Over the next few weeks, we will continue sharing texts, videos, lesson ideas, and related resources used by #SDAWP teachers. Keep an eye out for information about #USvsHate and how to amplify student voices by submitting their work. The fall submission deadline is November 22nd, 2024.

View the “My Name” lesson plan reel HERE

“My Name” Teaching Resources:

Related Books:

#USvsHate Resources:

#USvsHate

“Where I’m From”

From the classroom of Miriam Sikking (SDAWP 2010)

The tried-and-true “Where I’m From” poem used as a mentor text encourages students to reflect on their experiences and the everyday things that shape their identities. Inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poetry, students delve into their personal histories to create powerful pieces about who they are. Sharing their “Where I’m From” poems with classmates helps foster a welcoming classroom community by celebrating diversity and acknowledging the uniqueness of each student. 

Do you use “Where I’m From” to get to know your students at the beginning of the school year? What other texts or writing activities do you use to help your students explore and share their backgrounds in order to build understanding and acceptance?

View the “Where I’m From” lesson reel HERE.

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#USvsHate

Building Community Through Identity: Names

From the classroom of Cindy Duran (SDAWP 2021)

Now is the time to build an inclusive school community.  Over the next few weeks, we will share some lessons #SDAWP teachers have used to build community in their classrooms. We’d love to know how you create a safe and inclusive community in your classroom and adapt materials to meet the needs of your students.  Look for more information about #USvsHate and entering your students’ voices against hate in the fall contest.  Deadline is November 22, 2024. 

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#USvsHate

How do you help your students celebrate their uniqueness?

The Welcoming Hands activity from Welcoming Schools invites “students to explore the beauty of human skin tone variation as they work together to create a visual representation of their community with artistic hands that represent them individually and collectively.”

How do you help your students celebrate their uniqueness? How do you help them recognize and honor differences as you build an inclusive classroom community?

#USvsHate is an educator and youth lead anti-hate messaging project designed to counter bigotry in schools and create safe and welcoming classrooms. Please join us in amplifying student voices. The 2025-2026 school year submission deadline is February 26, 2027.


View the Welcoming Hands lesson plan reel HERE. 

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