What is Power?
Students define power and then analyze five perspectives about power in order to understand its many sources and the different ways it can be experienced.
![Two male students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Cleveland_Classroom_2019_FH2100139.jpg?h=78aab1d8&itok=eGCF5ua2)
Introducing the Unit (UK)
Students will come together as a community of learners to develop a contract that establishes a safe, but challenging environment in their classroom.
Genocide Still Happens
Use this mini-lesson to reflect with your students on what we can do to stop ongoing atrocities and prevent future genocides.
![Family photographs of victims of the Rwandan Genocide](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/GenocideAwarenessMonth_AP19095514790874.jpg?h=25f41369&itok=K2aTJk_p)
Introducing Agency
Students explore the concept of agency, both in literature and in life, and examine the societal forces that play a role in an individual’s agency.
![Two Volta Elementary School students work at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101627.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Pd3sRqZO)
Agency, Choice, and Action
Students apply their thinking about power and agency to an analysis of four personal narrative essays written by young people.
![Uniformed students work together in class.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101464.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=eqY000u8)
Historical Background
Get an introduction to the important historical events and issues that are explored throughout the rest of the book Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools.
![Stolen Lives resource cover.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Stolen_Lives_hero.jpeg?h=5a93ea57&itok=kWw1_Vdg)
The Power of Belonging
Students discuss the first half of Bethany Morrow’s short story “As You Were” and create character maps as a way of exploring the character of Ebony’s identity and sense of belonging in her school community.
![A student and teacher are in discussion.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101408.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=lIhPr3AR)
Finding One's Voice
Through continued reflection on the short story “As You Were,” students consider the factors that impact power and agency in moments of decision-making and explore the possibilities and limitations of justice and reconciliation.
![Students engage in discussion in a San Francisco classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/San_Francisco_Classroom_2017_FH152714.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=dM3u491J)
Latinx vs. Hispanic: A History of Terms
Learn about the history and debate surrounding how we describe Latinx and Hispanic peoples, and consider the relationship between language and identity.
![A dictionary page open to the definition of "Latino".](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/LatinoDefinitionDictionaryPage.jpeg?h=8e4088dc&itok=YtALYqsm)
Western Imperialism and Nation Building in Japan and China
Students are introduced to the history of Western imperialism in East Asia and its influence on the identities and ambitions of Japan and China.
![An Ukiyo-e of the Utagawa school depicting foreigners in Japan, including Russians, Dutch, British, Americans, French and Chinese. A closeup of the Dutch, Americans and Chinese in the center of the picture](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Foreign_nations_in_Japan.jpg?h=bb3745a7&itok=kNJq-Ev3)
Use Poetry To Teach About Identity
Celebrate National Poetry Month with this mini-lesson that uses poetry to help students grapple with the complexities of identity and inspire them to tell their own stories.
![Zoomed in photo of student writing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/118_Bully_Summit%2C_2012%2C_LA%2C_113_for_Web_or_Office_Use.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=xdupak2M)