Across the country, students and teachers are sharing stories, joining together and taking action to create safe schools, free from stereotypes, intolerance, and hate. They’re part of a movement called Not In Our School -- and you can join them!
The students profiled in this video acted as documentarians for their local community and its changing demographics, attitudes and experiences. The students used this data to inform their efforts to promote mutual respect and equality in their school. Providing students with the opportunity to research and explore the history of civil and social justice issues in their own communities can be a powerful tool for learning and reflection.
If interested in modeling this dialogue in your own classroom, please use the following guidelines to assist in ensuring a positive and productive discussion.
This lesson is part of the Not In Our School Video Action Kit, a comprehensive toolkit featuring films, lessons, and resources designed to motivate students to speak out against bullying, and create new ways to make their schools safe for everyone.
Submitted by niot_dev on February 25, 2011 - 5:09pm
In this video, students created an assembly performance that included individual presentations, role-playing scenarios and musical performances. Any or all of these efforts represent exciting and creative ways for students to contribute their voice and perspectives to important social justice issues.
As this is a big undertaking, please review the following guidelines to assist in your planning and implementation.
Submitted by niot_dev on February 25, 2011 - 5:09pm
As a result of the murder of Marcelo Lucero, there were many positive efforts in the community to embrace diversity and build respect for all. One of these was the creation of public art to reflect feelings and attitudes about the murder and to create a positive and hopeful message for the future. The use of art can be a wonderful way for students to express ideas about diversity, respect and social justice concerns.
The following guideline provides instruction on how to lead such a process with students.
Submitted by niot_dev on February 25, 2011 - 5:09pm
While the students profiled in this video had a catalyst prompting them to hold a community anti-hate rally, this is not necessary to engage students or the larger community in conversations and learning about diversity and respect. In fact, establishing these principals as priorities in your school -- to be discussed and affirmed not only in times of crisis -- can be very powerful in preventing incidents from occurring or if they do, to know there are established channels of support and response.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 25, 2011 - 5:09pm
This video highlights a powerful activity called Dissolving Stereotypes. This activity can be used effectively with students or adults to explore experiences with stereotypes and hurtful words and ways to “dissolve” the hurt caused.
