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Diversity Lesson Plans & Activities

Middle

Ability

Fighting Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Learning Disabilities

In these lessons, students will work toward understanding what it means to have a learning disability. The goal is make them aware of prejudice and discrimination aimed at those with learning disabilities. (from Teaching Tolerance)

Cultural Diversity

Before you could say "Jackie Robinson"

Want to motivate your students to learn about segregation and the importance of cultural diversity? Here is a colorful unit that illustrates how baseball reflected and led critical social shifts in American history from the Civil War to the modern-day Civil Rights movement. Beginning with the origin of the Negro leagues to Jackie Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball in 1947, untold stories of honor, courage, and perseverance are brought to life through interactive multicultural lessons spanning several subject areas. (from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum)

Exchanging Stories - Names

This activity brings the stories of individuals to the multicultural experience. Each participant will write a short story about their name and share the story in a small group. (from the Multicultural Pavilion)

In My Other Life

What would it be like to grow up in another culture? One way to explore this question is through memoirs and novels. Now, with the Internet, you can offer your students an interactive means to venture outside the borders of their own experience to try on an alternative cultural identity. (from EDSITEment)

Human Rights and Social Justice

Death Penalty Curriculum Guide

Provides an overview of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a factual analysis of the death penalty, and a discussion of the human rights issues surrounding the death penalty and the criminal justice system in general. Grades 8-12 (from Amnesty International)

Fighting Hunger

This lesson encourages students to investigate domestic hunger in the United States as well as in their own communities and offers resources to support youth in the fight against hunger. (From Teaching Tolerance)

Overcoming Discrimination/Prejudice/Stereotypes

Exploring Stereotypes: First Thoughts

In this activity, students consider stereotypes, beginning with stereotypes of "teenagers." (from Teachable Moment)

The History of Other Hate Symbols

Recent incidents with nooses displayed on school campuses raise questions about the symbols of hate and prejudice. This project gives students an opportunity to learn some answers. 

(from Teaching Tolerance)

Respecting Religious Diversity

In this unit, learners will explore the issues of religious diversity by dismantling the myths of prejudice, discovering the root causes of prejudice, by undertaking an overview of the three religious groups and completing a service project, the goal of which will be to teach other learners the value of diversity and being tolerant of others. (from Learning to Give)

Mix It Up: The Discomfort Zone

Students challenge boundary lines in the community. (from Teaching Tolerance)

Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Power of Nonviolence

This lesson introduces students to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi that influenced King's views. After considering the political impact of this philosophy, students explore its relevance to personal life. (from EDSITEment)

No More Hate and Fear: Spread the Word!

In this unit learners will examine the nature of prejudice, as well as cultural differences. They will reflect on how these differences can enhance our lives. They will also discuss how the fear and hate of other cultures is taught. They will identify some specific cultural differences that they can celebrate and share with their class and will also create projects (such as illustrated picture books) to present to younger students which highlight some elements of their own culture if they are ESL/ENL students. (from Learning to Give)

Race/Ethnicity

Paying with their Health

Unwilling or unable to complain about working conditions, immigrants routinely suffer chronic problems brought about by pesticide use, harsh weather and the lack of proper equipment. Using primary sources, students will learn more about these conditions. (from Teaching Tolerance)

Whites, Blacks, and the Blues

By thinking about the intersections of whites, blacks, and others around the blues, students will deepen their understanding of discrimination and prejudice. They will also come to understand the ways in which music can, or cannot, create opportunities for people of different cultures, and with varying degrees of power, to relate to one another and find common ground. (from PBS)

Addiction Resources
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