Group Alignment

Grades: 
6, 7, 8

Learners acknowledge that aligning with groups can promote belonging as well as conflict and power struggles. They discuss and write about ways to include and show respect for people with different identity traits.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • identify and define vocabulary related to inclusion and exclusion.
  • use inclusionary words to communicate respect for someone outside of a group.

Instructions

Print
  1. Anticipatory Set

    Have each learner make a list of their personal identity traits, such as their appearance, race, interests, values, talents, goals, and activities. Our identities make up who we are, and each person's identity is completely unique to them. 

  2. Finding a point of connection with someone else may create feelings of belonging and lead to friendship. Talk about how we can see our differences. Differences are opportunities for learning, bringing in more ideas, interest and variety, and beauty. 

  3. Learners may have noticed that aligning with like-minded groups (even though they were trivial preferences such as Coke vs. Pepsi) can promote conflict and separation. Our behavior and words can easily show disrespect for people who are not in our groups. Some groups have more power than others.

    Using nature as a model, introduce the idea of biodiversity. Nature demonstrates how more diverse species and varieties of plants and animals and environments are needed to fulfill all the needs of the ecosystems of the environment. Like in nature, diversity makes us stronger and dependent on one another's strengths and gifts. 

  4. Have the learners write two or three statements that express curiosity, interest, or respect for people with different identities.

  5. Some participants may wish to share their statements as calls to justice, action, inclusion, or equity. 

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Give political and historic reasons why civil society groups have formed in the nation and world.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Identify different types of communities with which an individual might identify.
  3. Strand PHIL.IV Volunteering and Service
    1. Standard VS 01. Needs Assessment
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Identify a need in the school, local community, state, nation, or world.