Ethnic Studies Identity Affirming Survey Unit

Description

Authors:

Elisa Yzaguirre, K–12 Multilingual Educator

Andrea Chorney K–12 Multilingual Educator

This unit is an overview of Ethnic Studies concepts with a focus on identity and agency. It is organized around monthly themes that align with national and/or worldwide recognitions of cultural identities.  It aims to center culture as medicine in a holistic rather than an isolated or additive manner. Ethnic Studies ensures that students have an opportunity to develop skills to understand how the themes of Ethnic Studies connect to learning in school and their lived experiences. They learn to think critically about how race, class, gender and other social identities impact how different groups experience the world. 

Students will examine how activism and social movements can help rectify inequality. The unit centers historically marginalized people with multiple points of entry to dismantle systems of hierarchy. 

The unit provides space to center celebrations as medicine, foster relational accountability, and learn about other cultures and lived experiences in order to gain cultural competency. 

In lesson one, students will begin to analyze multiple perspectives on LatinX Heritage. The second lesson is an introduction to the concept of Indigeneity with a global focus on environmental activism and justice.  The third lesson is about Cultural Appropriation vs. appreciation. 

In lesson 4 students examine and discuss the radical legacy of MLK Jr. 

Lesson 5 is an introduction to the Black Lives Matter at Schools Movement to kick off Black History Month.  Lessons 6 and 7 provide counter narratives within the Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights Movements. 

In lesson 8 students learn about youth- led local environmental justice initiatives and have the opportunity to research environmental justice issues in their own communities. Lesson 9 focuses on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage. Lesson 10 highlights Juneteenth and Pride Month.