How Do Borders Shape Belonging? | Introductory Lesson
In this lesson, students will expand their understanding of borders and consider the ways in which borders can impact how individuals and groups experience belonging in the world.
![Two students in conversation while looking down at a laptop computer.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/NewEngland_ClassroomImage_2017_FH256365.png?h=2992ba0a&itok=w8q-uOp9)
Envisioning Our Classroom Space
Students analyze a poem in order to determine the qualities of a classroom community where members are seen, valued, and heard.
![Two students look at each other in conversation. One student is also taking notes.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomEvent_2018_%20FH287178.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=CX7H4ckw)
Why Just Mercy Matters
The film Just Mercy can offer invaluable insights to students in unpacking the harsh realities of the justice systems.
![Bryan Stevenson giving a Ted Talk](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-07/6945122783_9955987a88_o.jpg?h=0c2904f9&itok=YxyiJlBr)
Being Jewish in the United States
Explore the complexity of Jewish identity with reflections from three teenagers about what being Jewish means to them.
![A woman and a child light a candle as their family gathers during the Passover Seder.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Ch01_Image04_Medium_res.jpg?h=0429cc9e&itok=d2t6Z_O3)
Being Jewish in the United States (en español)
Explore the complexity of Jewish identity with reflections from three teenagers about what being Jewish means to them. This resource is in Spanish.
![A woman and a child light a candle as their family gathers during the Passover Seder.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/Ch01_Image04_Medium_res.jpg?h=0429cc9e&itok=d2t6Z_O3)
The Power of Names Group Work
Students take on assigned roles to collaboratively answer questions that explore the relationship between names, identity, and society.
![Preview of The Power of Names Group Work Handout](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/PowerOfNamesTeaser.png?h=d3d13267&itok=oWhsSMxb)
Becoming Ourselves Group Work
Students use this handout as a guide for reading a personal narrative written by a young person.
![Students sit around a table working on a big paper activity while receiving feedback from an educator.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_StudentDiscussion_FH287359.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=jnyJGnz9)
Exploring Community in Three Ways
Students use this graphic organizer to dissect the definition of community.
![Preview of Exploring Community Graphic Organizer](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2024-03/ExploringCommunityTeaser.png?h=d3d13267&itok=QpzOSmCU)
Two Names, Two Worlds Graphic Organizer
Students take on assigned roles to collaboratively answer questions about the poem "Two Names, Two Worlds" by Jonathan Rodriguez.
![Close view of a middle school student in a red sweatshirt writing on a piece of paper with a pencil.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/StudentWriting_FH2101717.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=Q4R75CQ0)
My Identity Poem
Students draft and then share identity poems, using Jonathan Rodríguez’s “Two Names, Two Worlds” as a model.
![A student looks down at their paper with a pencil in hand filling out a graphic organizer.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/CkassroomImage_FH2101620.jpg?h=c11c9c1d&itok=0kYkBiC_)
Names and Identity Graphic Organizer
Students take on assigned roles to collaboratively answer questions about Jennifer Wang's essay "Orientation Day."
![A close up of a student reading a handout with a pencil in hand.](/sites/default/files/styles/dynamic_stack_296_1x/public/2022-06/ClassroomImage_FH2101633.jpg?h=0f4230fa&itok=8W3kLC6F)