MENU

Respecting Diversity

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Conflict Resolution
Diversity
Prejudice
Racism
Respect

A Dr. Seuss story tells about two groups of characters who have no self-respect or respect for others. They analyze the effects of lack of respect and identify ways to demonstrate respect in real-life situations.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • identify the moral of the story The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss.
  • name the consequences of lack of respect for self and others.
Materials 

One copy of The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss (see Bibliographical References).

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Dr. Seuss is famous for writing children's books for a variety of ages. He often addresses social issues in his books that reach an older audience. For example, in the book The Lorax, the writer addresses issues of the environment. In the story The Sneetches, Dr. Seuss addresses the issues of prejudice and bias.

  2. Read The Sneetches together. Ask the learners to listen for examples of lack of respect for self and others in the story.

  3. After the reading, discuss the examples from the story of lack of respect for others and lack of self-respect. Encourage the learners to use the words bias, prejudice, stereotype, and racism, as appropriate to the discussion.

  4. Ask learners to imagine and share how the story may have turned out differently if the Sneetches had not been able to learn to respect themselves and each other.

  5. Discuss how young people can exhibit self-respect and respect to make positive decisions in their own lives.

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.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.