Developmental science has found that K-2 students can understand that harm affects people negatively, but they are often most concerned with their own perspectives and feelings. They typically prioritize their own needs at the expense of others. For example, if asked to share a piece of cake, they may keep the largest piece for themselves. With this in mind, K-2 lesson plans challenge students to stretch their perspective-taking skills. Students will have an opportunity to think about and discuss the perspectives and feelings of people who may have been mistreated because of their racial-ethnic identity.
K-2 Lesson Plans
The materials provided are standalone lessons. They can be integrated into existing materials or completed as an individual lesson. Lesson plans are designed to be read as a whole group. They include sample language, a summary of the book, and relevant standards, discussion questions, a grade-appropriate writing activity, and keywords. Lesson activities and discussion questions can be adapted to small groups. The discussions focus on providing students the important opportunity to grapple with issues of justice and fairness. Feel free to add questions to address specific comprehension skills the class may be working on.
Note: These lessons are intentionally not scripted, and we ask that you use your professional judgement when making decisions for your class and students.
Helpful Hints: Before the read aloud, review the key terms with your students in developmentally appropriate ways and add them to your word wall. During the read aloud, feel free to integrate normative literacy questions (i.e., main idea, identifying details, inference, comprehension, etc.) as they align with your required learning standards. After the read aloud, use discretion and cover discussion questions that fit into your time frame and adjust based on whole vs small group needs.
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