Lesson Plans for Every Classroom
Who Speaks for Us? Why Representation Matters
In the U.S. 2026 midterm elections, there were many “historical firsts.” Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman Governor in U.S.history. Abdul El-Sayed is now the first Muslim Senator in the U.S. Chris Pappas became the first openly gay man in the Senate. There are many others. These historical firsts are important and meaningful because the people we elect to represent us should not only represent our views, opinions and policy positions. They should also be representative of the diversity of our country. In this lesson, students will explore the concept of “representation,” learn about some of the historical firsts elected during the 2026 midterm elections, and research one of those elected officials in depth.
Bystander to Action
When young people are targeted by bias or bullying–whether it’s at school, in social situations, or online–there are often bystanders. There may be one bystander, a few, or many bystanders. Among other reasons, oftentimes the “bystander effect” takes hold and no one says or does anything when witnessing bias or bullying. In this lesson, students will learn about the bystander effect, reflect on their own experiences with bystanding, and examine bystander scenarios in order to explore possible actions.
Exploring Differences and Weight Bias through the use of the book "Big”
Weight or size bias begins for children at a young age. Awareness of size and shaming of size starts early and can be seen in children as young as three years old. When it goes unchecked, weight bias persists and grows. In K-12 schools, weight bias often shows as verbal teasing/bullying, physical bullying or indirect forms like relational bullying (e.g., social exclusion, being the subject of rumors). Although weight and size bias can be challenging to discuss, it is a critical topic for elementary age children. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to understand what weight bias is, using a picture book Big by Vashti Harrison. Students will also reflect on examples of weight bias and explore what can be done about it.
Unseen Challenges: Raising Awareness of Invisible Disabilities
People with invisible disabilities face specific challenges that are often overlooked when analyzing the bias that people with disabilities experience. They may encounter misunderstanding, judgment and stigma. They may not be believed or feel they have to justify their disability. They also may not get the proper diagnosis of their condition or the accommodations they need. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about invisible disabilities, reflect on the bias and other challenges people face and analyze school-based scenarios that involve students with invisible disabilities.
National Hispanic Heritage Month: People Making a Difference Today
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the U.S. that honors the history, contributions and achievements of Hispanic/Latine American people. It takes place every year from September 15-October 15. There are many different ways to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month. One way is to focus on contemporary Hispanic/Latine people who are making a difference and impacting our society. In this lesson, students will learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, explore what it means to be notable, and gain knowledge about contemporary Hispanic/Latine people who are making a difference today.
Spotlight on Social Media: Meta Lawsuit & Its Impact on Young People
In August 2026, Meta, the company that owns social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, settled a lawsuit brought by 29 U.S. states. The states accused Meta of designing their apps to be addictive to young people, knowing about the risks to them, but hiding that information from the public. Meta settled out of court, paying up to $17 billion in penalties to the states and agreeing to make changes to their social media platforms. The changes are designed to help protect teens from the mental health harms associated with social media use. In this lesson, students will learn about the Meta lawsuit, explore the connection between social media and mental health, and reflect on the new social media guidelines.
Bullying: What is It and What Can We Do About It?
Across the country, bullying takes place in schools every day. Among elementary-age children, about 1 in 4 students in the U.S. reports being bullied. It is important to understand what bullying is and is not. Bullying is not only mean behavior, but repeated mean behavior done on purpose, and where a power imbalance usually exists. Talking about bullying with students can happen at the beginning of the school year, in October during National Bullying Prevention Month, or anytime throughout the school year. In this lesson plan, students will define bullying, learn about the different types of bullying and reflect on bullying scenarios and what can be done in those situations.
World Cup Soccer: Players, Countries and Cultures
Every four years, the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup excites and entertains young people and adults worldwide. The biggest global event in sports, the World Cup provides not only entertainment but also a great opening to learn about people around the world, the countries they represent, their stories and their culture. In this lesson, students will learn about the World Cup and its history, explore stories about players to reflect on countries and culture, and create their own World Cup album that includes player profiles, team badges, World Cup history and more.
Celebrating and Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the U.S. that honors the history, contributions and achievements of Hispanic American people. It takes place every year from September 15-October 15. Schools, communities and people celebrate National Hispanic Heritage (NHHM) in a variety of ways.This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, explore why we honor commemorative months about specific identity groups and communities, analyzes the language used to describe the Hispanic/Latino community and considers different ideas about how to commemorate the month and beyond.