Lesson 4: Living in the United States Know Your Classmates

Objectives Students will examine what makes the United States unique. Students will analyze how experiences of living in the United States vary due to access to privilege. Students will examine what American culture looks like, and what voices are represented or excluded. Students will analyze the United States’ identity as a pluralistic society.

Journal, Brainstorm, and Share Pluralism: a situation in which people of different social classes, religions, races, etc. co-exist in a society but continue to have their different traditions and interests. How is the United States pluralistic?

Mind Map What are the things you and your family like to do that reflect your culture here in the United States? What are experiences you and your family have had living in the United States that are both positive and negative? What are aspects of living in the United States that you love and feel included in, and what are aspects of living in the United States that might make you feel uncomfortable or excluded?

Watch, Journal and Discuss “Friends with Muslims” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfsNUHXRFCI Why is it important to listen to other people’s experiences? Why is it important to ask other people questions before making assumptions? What is the importance of reaching out and learning about others? How do we stand and support other people’s identities when they are misrepresented?

“I am From” Poem #KNOWYOURCLASSMATES Think about your identity and where you come from, and create a poem using the template.

Optional: Who Belongs Here? An American Story, by Margy Burns Knight