Students create and perform a music or dance piece related to themes in the central text.

After analyzing "Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia" by Carmen Lomas Garza, students create a class book with artwork and information about their ancestry, traditions, and recipes, followed by a potluck lunch.

Estimated time Two to three weeks Why? One of the ways young students become invested in the democratic process is by become empowered advocates for civic participation in their local communities. When younger students

Hip-hop superstar Mya describes herself as a “loner” in high school because she refused to fit in by doing drugs. She knew that following her dreams was going to get her places. After completing the Mya discussion questions, encourage students to share their natural highs by having them hashtag #LiveNaturallyHigh on their social media accounts.

How to use our resources:
1) Watch a dynamic video featuring a powerful, personal story
2) Discuss the video in a group using provided discussion guides
3) Engage in deeper learning through fun, interactive activities that reinforce the concepts from the video.

Edward Snowden's leak of classified information about the NSA's surveillance of American citizens has touched off a debate about the need for government secrecy versus the public's right to know. Two student readings and discussion questions probe the controversy.

Everything you need is right here, from videos to full lesson plans. It’s all designed to be plug-and-play, simple to use, and impactful. Our curriculum is designed for 4th – 12th grade students.

How to use our resources:
1) Watch a dynamic video featuring a powerful, personal story
2) Discuss the video in a group using provided discussion guides
3) Engage in deeper learning through fun, interactive activities that reinforce the concepts from the video.

Not in Our Town Northern California: When Hate Happens Here looks at five communities that are dealing with hate violence. The film’s four segments focus on hate crimes that took place in these five communities between 1999 and 2004. Taken together, the stories reveal that whether the crimes are motivated by racism, anti-Semitism, or gender or sexual orientation, hate is the same. From Sacramento to the center of San Francisco, from the shadow of Mount Shasta to the suburbs of Silicon Valley, community leaders and ordinary citizens have found new and innovative ways to move beyond controversy and differences to create safe communities for all residents. After a transgender teen is killed by local youth in the Silicon Valley suburb of Newark, high school students, residents and civic leaders respond, and in so doing, they struggle with how tod eal with a brutal and preventable crime. The Sacramento community mobilizes after the worst anti-Semitic attacks in the capital’s history. Redding citizens find new strength in diversity after a prominent gay couple is murdered. When a cross is burned on an African American family’s lawn in the Shasta County town of Anderson, the town’s residents join forces to make their values clear. And the San Francisco Public Library turns the mutilation of gay-themed books into an opportunity for creative community action.

The Social and Emotional Learning in Washington State Schools: Building Foundations and Strategies module is designed to be a part of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's (OSPI) professional learning constellation of topics. It can be used by Washington Educational Service Districts (ESD) and LEAs for administering clock hours. Clock hours are not available to individuals who take the course on their own.

Intended Audience
This module is designed for educators, administrators, school staff, others professionals and parents who interact with youth as a means to help them build and improve their understanding of social emotional skills.

Structure of the Module
This online module has been designed in six distinct learning segments.
Learning Segment 1: Introduction to SEL
Learning Segment 2: Embedding SEL Schoolwide
Learning Segment 3: Creating a Professional Culture Based on SEL
Learning Segment 4: Integrating SEL into Culturally Responsive Classrooms
Learning Segment 5: Trauma Informed Social Emotional Learning
Learning Segment 6: Identifying and Selecting Evidence-Based Programs
Although the online module can be completed by an individual, the learning is significantly more impactful if it is done collectively by those who will be implementing SEL. Throughout the online module, suggestions on ways in which to engage in the learning in a group setting are provided.

Completing the Module
Registration on the OSPI Moodle is required to take the course.

Cover image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Students conduct interviews and record personal experiences focused on a specific theme from the central text. They then synthesize and present the information as a an article, pamphlet, poster or other medium of their choice.

Students conduct interviews and record personal experiences focused on a specific theme. They synthesize and present the information as a drawing, poster, paragraph or bulletin board.

PBS Learning Virtual Professional Learning Series is created for teachers—by teachers—to bring together content experts and educators from all backgrounds. With an emphasis on fun, engaging, accessible, and free tools for classrooms, these bite-sized opportunities are designed to connect educators with each other and PBS shows, themes, and content.

The Pages of My Life asks students to demonstrate their writing skills when constructing a personal narrative.

Paul Rodriguez found his natural high in skateboarding. From a young age, he dedicated himself to mastering new tricks and honing his skills. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, as he witnessed friends fall into drug addiction, profoundly impacting their lives. Paul’s clear focus and love for skateboarding kept him away from these pitfalls, making his story a powerful testament to the importance of pursuing one’s passion and staying resilient in the face of adversity.

How to use our resources:
1) Watch a dynamic video featuring a powerful, personal story
2) Discuss the video in a group using provided discussion guides
3) Engage in deeper learning through fun, interactive activities that reinforce the concepts from the video.

Presented in partnership with Kahoot!, World Explorer Trivia helps students prove their world knowledge through a fun and fast paced trivia grame!1. Choose the PenPal Schools Kahoot! that you would like to play by clicking the links to the left.2. Follow the directions on the Kahoot! website3. Have fun!

Students write to a business, school or community leader to call for action in response to a social justice issue from the central text. Alternatively, students can write open, persuasive letters to their peers or family members.

Students put together and collectively display sets of photographs that convey stories, feelings or messages related to themes in the central text.

Students work in small groups to write and illustrate an original children's picture book to teach others about a social justice or diversity topic present in the central text.

Students will understand difference and community by exploring a special place in their lives.

Students write and share original poems and stories about community issues or themes present in the central text.

Point of View asks students to demonstrate their narrative skills when applying different points of view in writing.