Understanding Identity
Students consider the question "Who am I?" and identify social and cultural factors that shape identity by reading a short story and creating personal identity charts.
![An illustration from Fred Tashlin's The Bear That Wasn't.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-05/Bear_04_Medium_res.jpg?h=e234a08a&itok=1oJczY0C)
When Differences Matter
Students consider what happens when one aspect of our identity is privileged above others by society.
![A Black student looks up while speaking into a microphone wearing a shirt that reads, "Black History: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future."](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2020_studentevent_FH2123247.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=hOJqWk6N)
Step 2: We and They
Students work collaboratively to create illustrated children’s stories that explore issues of conformity and belonging.
![Uniformed high school students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/DSC08537.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=iu11BSxz)
Analyzing “Aha” Moments
Students identify pivotal moments when a central character learns something important about themselves, others, and their real or fictional world.
![Two students sitting at a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/SL_190523_0632.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=qOwAMWt3)
Blending In and Standing Out
Students use an excerpt from Sarfraz Manzoor memoir to reflect on identity, belonging, and wanting to feel invisible.
![Moving people step off and on a moving subway train in London.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2005_BritainExplosions_FH127100.jpg?h=5325492e&itok=TeJz7dWW)
Asking Compelling Questions
Students engage in meaningful discussions with their peers about a text while using text-based evidence to support their thinking and making real-life connections to what they're reading.
![Two students sitting in a classroom with one student talking and gesturing](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Chicago_Classroom_2018_%20FH151349.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=DKqBQANg)
Create a Textual Lineage
Students consider the profound impact that the spoken and written word (as well as art and sound) can have on an individual’s identity and sense of self.
![A wide angle of a male student writing.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/facing-history-sf-drew-bird-a-056.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=cW2M4Jti)
Exploring Identity in Literature and Life
Students explore the complexity and fluidity of identity, both in the world of the text and in their own lives.
![Two female students engage in classroom discussion.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/San_Francisco_California_Classroom_2017_%20FH152796.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=hd8COz_6)
Exploring the Moral Universe of Setting
Students explore the concept of "moral universe" and consider how time and place influence our identities, sense of belonging, and moral decision-making processes.
![Black male teacher assists student in classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Somerville_Classroom_2017_%20FH256547.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=I2Ope0Bp)
Making Contemporary Connections to Literature
Students draw connections between social issues that the author explores in the text and their impact on our world today.
![Two female students work together at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-07/Somerville_Massachusetts_Classroom_2017_%20FH256803.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=74WEpHMh)