Description

The Argument Action Project is the culminating experience of the The Hate U Give argument writing unit, designed to move students from critical analysis to authentic, anti-racist initiatives. Grounded in Ethnic Studies, this lesson empowers students to recognize that their voice and actions can make a difference in dismantling systemic oppression.

Spanning two 100-minute block periods, this lesson focuses on Agency and Advocacy. Students begin by interpreting the visual rhetoric of social justice posters through a gallery walk, evaluating how images and text converge to convey powerful messages. This critical media analysis prepares them to become co-conspirators in their own education.

The heart of the project is the creation of an original social justice poster. Working in collaborative groups, students choose a sphere of influence and an action topic—ranging from Food Justice and Gender Equality to Abolishing ICE and supporting Teachers of Color.

The lesson concludes with a direct connection to civic leadership: students are encouraged to send their previously drafted argument essays as formal letters to government offices, ensuring their voices are heard by those in power.

What’s Included

• Complete 200-minute lesson plan focused on Praxis and Collectivism.

• “What Do U Stand For” Presentation for visual analysis.

• Social Justice Poster Rubric to guide student creation and evaluation.

• Gallery Walk Prompts for structured media interpretation.

• Authentic Student Examples showcasing projects on Food Deserts, LGBTQ+ Rights, and more.

• Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation and CCSS for Speaking, Listening, and Reading.

Why Educators Use This Lesson

• From Theory to Action: Moves students beyond the classroom and into civic and legislative leadership.

• Visual Literacy: Teaches students to use persuasive techniques in diverse mediums beyond just text.

• Student-Centered Choice: Allows students to advocate for issues that directly impact their own lived experiences.

• Intergenerational Impact: Positions youth as strategists and educators capable of shifting public narratives.

• Builds Community Power: Encourages students to share their work publicly within the school and beyond.

This is the radical approach to ELA that transforms students into the youth leaders Washington needs.