Democratic Classrooms
Educators possess different philosophies and styles for their teaching. Some work from an authoritarian perspective, leveraging their power as the teacher to control student behavior and dictate classroom participation. Others employ a more democratic approach, sharing power with students and supporting them in managing their own behaviors.
Developing a Media Portfolio
Lesson helps students understand how media influence their decisions.
Differentiated Instruction
If educators have learned anything in the last decade of school reform initiatives it is that one size does not fit all. Differentiated Instruction (DI) is an approach where teachers proactively plan varied approaches to what students need to learn, how they will learn it and how they express what they've learned.
Dinner for Two
At the beginning of each term, in junior- and senior-level courses, I have my students get to know each other.
Disability Awareness: We're In It Together
Differently-abled students put on a play and learn about acceptance, too.
Discrimination in Banned Books
The last week of September is Banned Books Week. Many teachers use the event to talk about free speech with their students. I also use it to begin a conversation about discrimination.
Do's and Don'ts of Celebrating MLK Day
Below we've prepared a list of recommended "Dos" and "Don'ts" to consider when observing the life and legacy of Dr. King with students.
Do's and Don'ts of Teaching Black History
What every teacher should know and do to ensure students get the most out of black history and Black History Month
Does Rick Warren Represent Diversity?
President-elect Obama angered many advocates for gay equality when he selected Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, despite Warren's views on gay rights. Obama said he made the choice to represent a "range of viewpoints" – but does his argument hold up?
Dyslexia and ADHD Activities
It is important or teachers to consider and provide for the needs of students in the class who may be dyslexic or have ADHD.
Early African Calendars
Multicultural math for the middle grades.
Early Grades Allies: A Discussion Activity
Educator and author Mara Sapon-Shevin offers strategies and ideas to help students in grades 4-6 become allies -- people who stand with or for others.
Economic Injustice Affects Us All: A Lesson from Viva La Causa
Students will understand how economic disparities affect us all.
Education Evaluation
This lesson will guide students through their human right to education and help them evaluate how well the world is doing when it comes to providing a free, equal, quality education to our youth.
Ela Bhat
"I realized that although eighty percent of women in India are economically active, they are outside the purview of legislation."
Elementary Mapping Activity
Emmett Till: A Classroom Sonnet
A poetry lesson weaves together the past, present and future of Emmett Till's tragic story.
Engaging Curriculum
"Why do we have to learn this?" It's a question that teachers dread, and it speaks to a curriculum that, for whatever reason, doesn't engage students. Maybe it's a curriculum that is outdated. Perhaps it's presented in such a way that it lacks luster. Maybe it's devoid of any emotional connection for a student.
Environmental Justice: The Birth of a Movement
The environmental movement is alive and well, fueled in part by many low-income communities.
Equality NOW
Formed in 1966, the National Organization of Women (NOW) sought "to take the actions needed to bring women into the mainstream of American society now … in fully equal partnership with men."
Ethnicity, Gender and the Courts
Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. This lesson helps students look at her confirmation process in historical perspective.
Examining Identity and Assimilation
Examine identity and assimilation with an activity that asks the question: Was there ever a part of your identity you had to hide?
Examining Your School's Climate
What every school and educator can learn from the events in Jena
Exploring Community History and Cultural Influence
This activity invites students to identify aspects of culture that influence our own behavior and sometimes make it difficult to understand the behavior of other people. Culture is a complex idea, and teachers should he prepared to offer students many examples of cultural features.
Exploring the Film: A Lesson from Viva La Causa
Using the common literary strategy of prediction, students will write descriptive compositions based on visual prompts and will connect symbolically with one of the farmworkers or allies.
F is for Fair!
This lesson will guide students through their human right to education and help them evaluate how well the world is doing when it comes to providing a free, equal, quality education to our youth.
Facing the 'N Word'
Can racial language in literature be an effective teaching tool?
Facts About Sexual Misconduct
An estimated 15 percent of U.S. children will experience sexual misconduct perpetrated by a school employee. Teaching Tolerance provides tools and strategies to help end the abuse.