Identity and Storytelling
Designed for students in grades 9-10, this text set includes lesson plans and multi-genre texts for a 1–2 week unit exploring the essential question, "What makes me, me?"
“I Wanted the Whole World to See”: The Murder of Emmett Till
This six-lesson unit delves into the history and legacy of the murder of Emmett Till, considering what we can learn from it as we work to achieve racial justice.
![This six-episode documentary from PBS chronicles the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinx people in the United States.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-03/Getty-1249493023.jpg?h=a8856264&itok=ShMUJy1Y)
Three Good Things
Students practice gratitude by naming and recording three good things that have happened that day.
![Two students look to the front of the classroom with smiles on their faces.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH116218.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=vIAV-cLY)
Slow Down with The Slowdown
Students use poetry as a spark for reflection and discussion about what’s happening in their lives and the world.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287343.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=FQS-JeNY)
Take a Stand
Students practice debate and perspective taking by taking a stand on a controversial statement.
![Students move around the classroom in conversation with each other. One student looks directly into the camera with a smile on their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_LA_FH287162.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=ipY6dvE3)
Appreciation, Apology, Aha
Students reflect on the day by asking them to share an appreciation, an apology, and an “aha” moment.
![Student writes in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/SanFrancisco_Classroom_2017_FH152732.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=vql3K3i_)
Closing Challenge
Students identify one personal or academic goal that they would like to commit to in the week ahead.
![A Facing History journal sits on top of a student guide for Choices in Little Rock.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_Chicago_FH2101605.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=TAR7mZfI)
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Students reflect on the past year and generate ideas for the kind of learning community and learning experiences they are hoping for this year.
![Four students in conversation with each other in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_SFBA_FH152797.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=pQhl4nhF)
Mood Meter
This mood meter activity develops students’ vocabulary for describing their feelings and their empathy muscles.
![Two middle school students write with pencils on a big paper activity.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_FH2101676.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=2LE9vXfG)
Identity and Storytelling Assessment Ideas
Create a culminating experience for your students that helps them draw new connections between the concepts and ideas presented in this text set, themselves, and the world today.
Why Identity Matters
Students reflect on how aspects of their identities are more visible or felt in certain situations and read an informational text to help them consider the interplay between individual identity and social identity.