Understanding Differences: A Journey of Empathy and Inclusion

High School Grade

Lesson
60 minutes

Understanding Differences: A Journey of Empathy and Inclusion

Eden Feenstra

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.5

+ 11 more

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students' understanding of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through the lens of disability rights history. By engaging in experiential learning activities, students will develop empathy and insight into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities before the ADA's enactment. This lesson aims to foster meaningful conversations and collaborations, encouraging students to reflect on the importance of appreciating differences and advocating for inclusive environments.

Learning goals

Students will explore the historical context of life for individuals with disabilities before the ADA and develop empathy by understanding their challenges. They will enhance their collaborative skills by engaging with special education professionals and peers to identify accessibility issues and propose solutions. Through reflective writing and project exhibitions, students will articulate their learning, demonstrating an appreciation for diversity and the importance of inclusive practices.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8 - Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.5 - With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5 - Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.2 - Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1 - Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1 - Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.8 - Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.5 - With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strengthen writing as needed by revising and editing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.5 - Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.2 - Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.1 - Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Begin with a brief introduction to the lesson's focus on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through the lens of disability rights history. Pose the essential question: 'Why is it important to understand and appreciate differences in others?' Encourage students to think about this question throughout the lesson. (5 minutes) Conduct a 'Perspective Walk' around the school, where students work in pairs to identify and document accessibility challenges. Provide them with a checklist to ensure they consider various aspects like ramps, elevators, and classroom layouts. Encourage them to take notes or photographs to capture their findings. Afterwards, reconvene in the classroom to briefly share and discuss their observations. (20 minutes) Facilitate a group discussion where students share their insights from the 'Perspective Walk.' Collaborate with special education teachers who can provide input on common barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Guide the conversation towards brainstorming potential solutions and ways to advocate for more inclusive environments. (10 minutes) Have students engage in a reflective writing exercise where they compose a letter to a historical figure with a disability. Instruct them to express what they've learned about the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities and how this new understanding influences their perspective on diversity and inclusion. Encourage them to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling, aligning with CCSS standards. (15 minutes) Wrap up the lesson by reflecting on the essential question and the day's activities. Provide students with feedback on their letters and discuss the upcoming 'Walk in My Shoes' simulation event where they'll create obstacle courses to simulate historical challenges. Encourage them to think about how they can contribute to creating an inclusive environment. (10 minutes)
Deliverables
Preparation