Middle+School+Lesson+Plans


 * (1) Grade Levels: 7th**

Book: //The Giver// by Lois Lowery

Themes: (1) compassion and empathy

Can be used to discuss race versus culture. Race is physical features and differences and culture is learned behavior. Have students brainstorm in small groups about (1) national culture, (2) sourthern culture, (3) school culture, and (4) family culture.

People act the way they are taught to act (culture). This leads to a discussion about stereotyping stereotyping.(just because I am southern does not necessarily mean that I am an avid college football fan.) If you are aware of your own culture and also be aware that your culture does not define you, then you are better able to deal with people of another culture. you will also discover places where cultures overlap.

Imagine that you and your family move to a country where English is not spoken and where none of your customs are practiced, would you still keep some of your customs (watching football, barbecuing ribs, etc.), but you would also probably adapt to the new culture and adopt some of its customs.

__Hints for Using this idea__: 8th through 12th Grade teachers can remind their students that Mr. Chris Miller talked about these ideas with them.


 * (2) Grade Levels: 6th through 8th Advisory**

Themes: (1) compassion and empathy

In a twenty-minute advisory, it is important to have specific talking points