Reflecting on Our Obligation to Others
Students explore the concept of “universe of obligation” within the contexts of a work of literature and their own lives.
![Students sit in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Chicago_Classroom_2019_%20FH2101668.jpg?h=2e5cdddf&itok=mjN1rMeK)
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)
Analyzing Assumptions
Using visual imagery, students identify assumptions in a text and in the real world, consider the consequences of those assumptions, and build awareness of their impact on individuals and the community.
![Students with Ken Garcia-Gonzalez.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-09/Chicago_Ken_Garcia_Gonzalez_and_Students_2019_FH2101467.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=M-Z4dibP)
Anatomy of an Upstander
Students critically analyze the choices, risks, and rewards that are involved when they are called upon to be upstanders.
![Students sit in a classroom.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Chicago_Classroom_Volta_Elementary_2019_FH2101703%20.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=Wg29rCsD)
Research Three Ways
Students learn about the different ways of researching by choosing a historical or contemporary issue in the text that interests them.
![Picture of teacher and student.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/5-1-17FacH07560_Preview_0.jpeg?h=ec041e41&itok=O3NATqIk)
Responding to Unfairness and Injustice
Students develop the vocabulary to talk about the range of human responses to injustice and then apply these labels to their analysis of a work of literature.
![Students write at their desks.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Classroom_Activity_Equal.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=WwcLoZIk)
Understanding Social Systems as an Element of Setting
Students explore setting by analyzing the impact social systems can have on how individuals think, feel, and care about issues, choices, and actions.
![Student raising hand while seated at desk.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-08/5-1-17FacH07288.jpg?h=99fc88d3&itok=hU3cnDTF)
Voice and Choice in Literature
Students analyze the voices and choices in a text in order to identify the perspectives that are represented.
![Female students raises her hand.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-10/Chicago_Classroom_2019_FH2101532.jpg?h=2e5cdddf&itok=XcIu0If_)
Ukraine: Discussing the War and Refugee Crisis with Students
Use this lesson to help students process how they are feeling about the devastating war in Ukraine, develop media literacy in what news they consume and how, and explore the mounting refugee crisis.
![Ukrainian Refugees crossing a fallen bridge.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-07/2022_RussiaUkraineConflict_FH2168262.jpg?h=7fb2964e&itok=suTcwNTN)
Preparing to Discuss Race in the Classroom
Use this lesson to help create a classroom environment in which students can discuss the potentially challenging topic of race in brave and constructive ways.
Staging the Compelling Question
Students are introduced to the themes of the compelling question by exploring the concept of borders and learning about the Chinese Exclusion Act.
![Long border fence.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2023-01/Long_border_fence_FH2185286.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=ouYCfOSu)