Category: #USvsHate

#USvsHate

This Plus That

From the classroom of Miriam Sikking (SDAWP 2010)

This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace, explores everyday moments and relationships through simple math equations. This unique format is an invitation to see the ordinary in unique ways.

In this lesson, students will reflect on the elements that shape their identities—such as hobbies and interests, life experiences, friendships and family, favorite foods or family meals, culture and heritage, beliefs, and values. They will then create several identity equations that represent these aspects of themselves and will add their favorites to index cards or sentence strips that can be decorated and displayed in the classroom.

How do you help your students explore and take pride in their identities? How do you support them in recognizing and celebrating the identities of their peers to foster an inclusive classroom community?

Step 1: Read This Plus That

“me + you = friends”

“birds + buds = spring”

“I’m sorry + hug = sincere apology”

“smile + wave = hello”

“good days + bad days = real life”

Step 2: Discuss

  • What did you notice?
  • What types of equations are included?
  • Can you relate to any of the equations? 
  • Did any of the equations surprise you? Why?
  • Which one of the equations was your favorite? Why?

Step 3: Reflect

Students brainstorm the things that make them who they are: 

  • experiences
  • hobbies/interests
  • school/grade/age
  • friends/family 
  • favorite food/favorite family meal
  • culture/heritage
  • place of birth/where they live
  • beliefs/values

Step 4: Write

  • Share sample identity equations, including at least one about yourself.
  • Students draft several of their own identity equations. 
  • Pass out index cards and students write their names in the center using bold lettering.
  • Students select one of their equations to write above and one to write below their names. 
  • Decorate as desired.

Student Samples

Link to lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

Amy Krouse Rosenthal website

This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations read aloud from Northern Bright Bookshelf

This Plus That trailer from HarperKids

Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation website

Reading + Talk + Writing = Innovative Expression Opportunities! — Blog post from Two Writing Teachers 

This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations (writing, math, & free handout!) — Blog post from love2learn2day

#USvsHate

Disambiguation

From the classroom of Courtney Kleffman (SDAWP 2020) 

“Mexican American Disambiguation” by José Olivarez examines the complexities of bicultural identity and explores what it means to be Mexican in the United States. In this lesson, students will read and analyze the poem before crafting their own poems of disambiguation.  The companion slide deck created by Courtney Kleffman is an easy-to-use teaching tool.

What strategies or resources do you use to help students reflect on their multifaceted identities? How do you support them in embracing every part of who they are, understanding that identity is both fluid and inclusive?

Step 1: Listen & Read

How does Olivarez play with the concept of identity and explore the messiness of it?

Listen and Read—“Mexican American Disambiguation after Idris Goodwin” 

Watch—“Mexican-American Disambiguation”

Step 2: Read & Discuss

Highlight all of the labels that Olivarez names throughout the poem.

Round robin:

  • Read a word, phrase, or line aloud that you felt had particular impact
  • Share your thinking, wondering, and/or connect.

Step 3: Write Your Own Disambiguation

Think about your own relationship to identity. Disentangle all of the various versions by writing a disambiguation using some aspect of your identity.

Student sample:

“…call themselves empowered

who are strong after they are put down

which should not be confused with equals

men might call it similar

that’s the strength in me

though the two are cousins…”

Link to lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

Mexican American Disambiguation slide deck from Courtney Kleffman

José Olivarez website

“Mexican American Disambiguation” Lesson Plan from LMS Curriculum

Teaching Citizen Illegal  from Teach Living Poets (includes a slide deck for introducing students to Citizen Illegal and “Mexican American DIsambiguation”)

Listen and Read: “Mexican American Disambiguation” 

Watch: “Mexican American Disambiguation”

More by José Olivarez:

Citizen Illegal

Promises of Gold

Home Court (co-author)

The Poetry Gods (podcast co-host)

#USvsHate

Use Your Voice with Amanda Gorman

From Janis Jones (SDAWP 1994) and the classroom of Sarah Spinks

Coming Together is a Sesame Street campaign designed to help children embrace their identities in a diverse world. In the “Use Your Voice” video, Amanda Gorman, Bert, and Ernie demonstrate how our voices can be used in powerful and impactful ways.

After watching the video, students will reflect on how they can use their own voices and will write statements beginning with, “I will use my voice to…”

Here are some examples written by first-grade students:

  • I will use my voice to be strong.
  • I will use my voice to help people in need.
  • I will use my voice to be powerful.
  • I will use my voice to make good decisions.
  • I will use my voice to say kind words.

After drafting several “I will use my voice to…” statements, each student will choose their favorite to write on a sentence strip. These strips can be decorated and displayed together on a bulletin board as daily reminders of the positive ways they will use their voices.

Watch the lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

#USvsHate

Six-Word Identity Stories

A six-word story is a concise form of writing that tells a story or makes a statement in just six words. Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway once bet fellow writers he could craft a complete story in only six words. He then wrote on a napkin: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

Writing six-word statements offers an accessible way for students to express themselves and can be effective for exploring identity and diversity, especially when students are encouraged to reflect on their cultural heritage, experiences, or beliefs.

Sharing these stories can create a sense of community as students learn more about each other in safe and meaningful ways. Six-word stories can be enhanced by pairing the stories with drawings, collages, or photos, which add depth and meaning.

View the lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

 Crash Course Six Words — video introduction from Six-Word Memoirs

How Six Words Can Spark Conversation About Race in America — video from The Atlantic

How to Write an Unforgettable Six-Word Story from Masterclass

The Race Card Project (website)

The Race Card Project: Six Word Essays from NPR

This Is Pride in Six Words from the Six-Word Memoirs website

Top Six Words for LGBT Pride from the Six-Word Memoirs website

Honoring MLK’s Legacy In Six Words from the Six-Word Memoirs website

#USvsHate

Stop the Hatred

From the classroom of Courtney Kleffman (SDAWP 2020) 

“Stop the Hatred” by Wyclef Jean and MC Jin is a powerful music video that advocates for unity to combat racism. The title was inspired by MC Jin’s son, who shouted “Stop the hatred” during a protest rally. The lyrics promote understanding while emphasizing the need for collective action. 

Step 1:  Ensure that students understand the context of the song, which was written in response to the surge in AAPI hate crimes during the pandemic. 

Step 2: Read and discuss the song using the “Three Reads of ‘Stop the Hatred'” protocol and graphic organizer.

  • Reading #1: Watch the music video, noticing which images stand out and how it makes you feel.
  • Reading #2: Read the “Stop the Hatred” lyrics, paying attention to the details and examples used. 
  • Reading #3: Reread the lyrics, focusing on the call-to-action.

Step 3: Free Write

Student Samples:

Watch the lesson reel HERE.

#USvsHate

#USvsHate: Student voices are needed now more than ever!

Watch the submission reel HERE.

Easy steps for submitting student messages:

Step 1: Go to the #USvsHate Learn More page

Step 2: Scroll down to “How do I submit?”

Step 3: Review the #USvsHate Submission Checklist and complete all required items.

Step 4: Complete the simplified #USvsHate Submission Form.

What is #USvsHate?

#USvsHate is an educator- and youth-led anti-hate messaging project designed to counter bigotry and create safe and welcoming classrooms.

What are anti-hate messages?

  • Explicitly address hate, bias and injustice
  • Communicate that all people are equally valuable
  • Celebrate diversity
  • Ask that all people be treated kindly, fairly, and respectfully

Submissions can be in any media: posters, videos, computer arts, performance arts, murals, poetry, essays, collaborative class projects, etc.

How can my class participate?

#USvsHate

I Am Different, I Am Great

From the classroom of Caroline Write (SDAWP 2017)

I Am Different, I Am Great tells the story of Mei Mei, a young girl who feels different because she has an accent. The story is based on author Melody Kiang’s own childhood experiences. Kiang, who developed an accent while living in Singapore for six years as a child, was enrolled in English as a Second Language classes and had to attend speech therapy sessions when she returned to Canada.

Like Kiang and her character Mei Mei, many students with accents face unique challenges, including the attitudes of peers and teachers. Teasing or bullying can impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of pressure to speak without an accent in an attempt to fit in. Additionally, teachers may unconsciously associate an accent with academic ability, influencing their expectations and interactions with students.

Educators can support children with accents by seeking to understand the barriers they face. Building inclusive classroom environments that celebrate linguistic diversity and pride in identity can help bridge these challenges.

How do you support your students with accents? What books and resources help you build a welcoming community for all students, including those with accents?

Listen to a powerful interview with an adult who shares the challenges he faced while learning English, including the way he is treated due to his accent HERE.

The reel linked HERE includes ideas for using I Am Different, I Am Great in your classroom along with suggestions for having students conduct their own interviews.

Resources:

Articles and Research:

More books about accents and language differences:

#USvsHate

Change Sings

From the classroom of Caroline Wright (SDAWP 2017)

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman is an inspiring picture book that encourages young people to believe in their ability to create positive change. Through poetic language, Gorman tells the story of a girl who leads others in acts of kindness, showing that even small actions can make a big difference. Illustrated by Loren Long, the book emphasizes themes of unity, diversity, and social justice, making it a powerful read about the impact everyone can have on their communities.

How do you encourage your students to recognize that their voices matter? What books and resources do you use to help them speak up for justice? In what ways do you create opportunities for students to take action on issues that are important to them? 

Link to lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

Related books:

More by Amanda Gorman:

#USvsHate

We Are All Connected

From Janis Jones (SDAWP 1994) and the classroom of Leslie Engel

We Are All Connected by Gabi Garcia offers poetic reminders of the inextricable connections we share with one another and the planet. The book emphasizes that by caring for both each other and Earth, we can make the world a better place.

After reading We Are All Connected, students will engage in a discussion about the connections highlighted in the book and will explore what it means to be connected. They will then write their own statements of connection on large blank puzzle pieces, which will be assembled into a bulletin board display.

How do you help your students understand that the way we treat each other and what we do matters because everyone and everything is connected? What activities or resources do you use to demonstrate the concept of interconnectedness? 

Link to lesson reel HERE.
We can all love each other.
We are all people.
We are beautiful.
We can help the world.
We are all human. 
We have each other. 
We have integrity. 
We can make the world a better place.
We can all do the right thing.
Resources:
Related book:
Jigsaw puzzle resources:
#USvsHate

Something You Should Know

From the Classroom of  Courtney Kleffman (SDAWP 2020)

“Something You Should Know” by Clint Smith explores identity and personal experience, making it an impactful teaching tool for developing empathy and understanding. By crafting their own “Something You Should Know” poems and sharing them with others, students reflect on their personal histories, enhancing their self-awareness and fostering deeper connections with peers.

What mentor texts have you used to inspire students to create poems of self-reflection? How have you incorporated poetry to help students better understand themselves and one another?

Link to lesson reel HERE.

​Resources:

Books by Clint Smith:

#USvsHate

Talking Gets Us There

From the classroom of Cindy Duran (SDAWP 2021)

The animated version of Amanda Gorman’s poem “Talking Gets Us There” is part of PBS KIDS’ series Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism. The series includes resources to help navigate conversations about race and can serve as a springboard for classroom discussions and reflective writing.

Cindy Duran inspired her 4th graders to lift a line from the poem and write their own reflections after watching the video. The powerful piece below, written by one of her students, exemplifies what young people are capable of when given the opportunity.

“People have been treated unfairly; Just because of their race” 

It starts way back 

When our ancestors were as young as us 

Treated like dirt just because of what color we saw 

Their lives were sold away like bread from the market 

To owners who have no care or thoughts for them 

We signed a law and said, “Hurray!” 

Yet the unfairness in treatment still happens today 

People are still not given the same opportunity 

All of their opinions still pushed away 

 Now as we get older our moment is here 

To stop all this and say “Enough is Enough” 

So our family and friends don’t have to keep suffering 

It is now our turn to end this    

View the lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

More by Amanda Gorman:

Related video:

Find more books at The Conscious Kid on Instagram

#USvsHate

Dreamers

From the classrrom of Caroline Wright (SDAWP 2017) 

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales is the story of the author’s immigration journey with her young son. It can serve as a springboard for a class discussion about the resilience of immigrants and the possibilities they envision for themselves and their families. 

What texts and resources do you use to teach students about immigration and the experiences of immigrants? How do you inspire your students to tell their own immigration stories? How do you help students develop empathy and understanding for those who search for opportunity in unknown places? 

Link to lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

Video reading by Yuyi Morales

Dreamers Kit from Holiday House

Educator Guide from the Anti-Defamation League

Parent/Family Discussion Guide from the Anti-Defamation League 

Resources from Teaching Books

Meet Yuyi Morales from Scholastic News

What the Data Says About Immigrants in the U.S. from Pew Research Center

Spanish-language edition and related resources:

Spanish Read Aloud of Soñadores

Dreamers Kit in Spanish from Holiday House

Teaching Resources in Spanish from Teaching Books

Related books:

Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez 

Islandborn by Junot Díaz 

#USvsHate

It’s Okay to Be Different

It’s Okay to Be Different celebrates the uniqueness in each of us and encourages young people to embrace their individuality. Whether someone wears glasses, has braces, plays sports, enjoys music, or is tall or short, our differences make us who we are. By recognizing and celebrating these unique qualities, children learn that we don’t have to look the same or like the same things to respect and accept each other—and ourselves.

How do you help your students celebrate their uniqueness? What resources do you use in your classroom to help them recognize and honor differences as you build an inclusive school community? 

Link to lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

It’s Okay to Be Different video read aloud by Todd Parr

The Teacher’s Guide to the World of Todd Parr —Activity Guide by Little Brown and Company

It’s Okay to Be Different lesson plan from Learning for Justice

Resources from Teaching Books

Bilingual English-Spanish edition: It’s Okay to Be Different / Está bien ser diferente (Spanish and English Edition)

Related Books:

More Books by Todd Parr

It’s Okay to Feel Different lesson plan from Learning for Justice 

Be Who You Are lesson plan from Welcoming Schools 

The Family Book lesson plan from Welcoming Schools

A Normal Pig by K-Fai Steele

#USvsHate

Dictionary for A Better World

From the classroom of Anne Bartholomew (SDAWP 2019)

Dictionary for a Better World  by Irene Latham and Charles Waters is an inspiring book organized as a dictionary. ”Each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a ‘try it’ prompt for an activity.”

How do you inspire your students to take action and make the world a better place? What books or resources do you use to empower them to find their voices and become agents of change?

Watch the lesson reel HERE.

Resources:

Explore an online version of Dictionary for a Better World

Writing template — created by Anne Bartholomew

DIctionary for a Better World — video by Charles Waters

Dictionary for a Better World — Resources, including 27 video read alouds available from Teaching Books

Dictionary for a Better World — Discussion Guide from Lerner

Explore the Power of a Single Word in Dictionary for a Better World — article by Grace Enriquez for School Library Journal

The Art of Dictionary for a Better World — blog post from Lerner

Related Books:

Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice by Ryse Tottingham (Educator Guide)

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

More books by Irene Latham and Charles Waters:

Can I Touch Your Hair: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Irene Latham, Charles Waters, Selina Alko, and Sean Qualls (Teacher Guide from Lerner)

Be A Bridge by by Irene Latham, Charles Waters, and Nabila Adani

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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

 Related Books

#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.

Resources

 Related Books

#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. 

Resources

Related books