10 Social justice activities to try in class

Social justice is the view that everyone deserves to enjoy the same economic, political
and social rights, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender or other
characteristics. Teaching social justice in the classroom is crucial for preparing young
people to become responsible global citizens in the 21st century.

Numerous resources and Web sites provide tips and activities for helping students
reflect upon social justice issues in the classroom. Here are 10 great activities that will
get kids at different grade levels thinking about human rights and our responsibility to
take care of each other.

1. Lemon peel (grades 3-8): Give a lemon to each

student and ask them to "get to know" their lemons. Have them look for any
identifying marks, shape, brightness of the lemon, etc. Then, take the lemons, put
them in a basket and have the students find their lemon. Students should not
have trouble with this. The next day, peel the lemons and have the students
attempt to find their lemons again in the basket. This will teach them that
although we look different on the outside, we are the same on the inside.

2. "This is Our House" (grades K-3): Assign students to read, or read to

them, This is Our House by Michael Rosen. In this book, George, the main
character, creates a cardboard box. When other children come and try to play in
the box, George turns them away for their outward characteristics. The story
teaches students that everyone looks different and it is hurtful when others are
treated poorly because they are a girl, have red hair, etc. Have kids create their
own "cardboard box," and have everyone go inside it.

3. Face-to-face (grades 3-6): Place students in pairs and have them observe and
interview each other. Have students list their differences as well as similarities.
See if these attributes are external or internal, and discuss this with the class.
Students should leave the activity realizing that it's important to respect and
celebrate human differences.

4. Draw a picture (grades 2-4): Gender stereotyping is common in the workplace

and in society. Have students draw pictures that represent different professions,
such as construction worker or teacher. Collect the drawings and add up how
many men or women were represented in each drawing. Use the data to discuss
how gender roles and societal expectations impact individuals' employment
 opportunities.

5. Put-ups (grades K-5): In this activity, students will be learn to encourage

others. Have kids offer "put-ups" rather "put-downs" about classmates. This way,
students will recognize the value of kindness and affirming what is good about
each individual.

6. Timeline of school integration (grades 4-6): By using this timeline, students

will learn about the ongoing quest to integrate schools, beginning as early as
1849 and continuing until today. This will raise social awareness about
segregation and teach kids that regardless of race, every person has the right to a
quality education.

7. That's not fair! (grades 3-5): This activity demonstrates the impact of
educational disparities. Give one half of the classroom nice construction paper and
well-working scissors and the other half notebook paper and pairs of old scissors.
Ask students to create paper dolls. Then, switch the resources and display the
artwork. Students will see how low-quality resources and high-quality resources

can affect student achievement.

8. The Assertion Jar (grades 5-8): Have students place their assertions in a jar
and use them as a daily activity, whether it is a writing prompt or an oral
discussion. Students can practice refutation skills and learn how it is common to
disagree with others, but it must be done in a respectful, civil way.

9. Native American influences on U.S. history and culture (grades 3-5): Give
students this pop quiz to help them learn more about what Native Americans
contributed to our culture.

10. Can girls be plumbers? (grades 2-4): Teach about gender stereotypes, roles
and career choices. Provide photos of both men and women and a list of different
jobs. Have kids use the photographs to create a display with the photos on one
side and the corresponding jobs on the other. See what the students match up,
and then discuss.

Related resource
Diversity activities for high school
Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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