Authors:
Usana Hall, K–12 Educator
Amanda Hubbard, K–12 Educator
This unit focuses on Social Emotional Learning integrating ML GLAD strategies and the WAESN Elementary Framework. This lesson was designed for 3rd graders intended to be taught at the beginning of the year, but can also be taught at other times during the year as well as be adapted to most elementary grade levels. Through the variety of assignments and discussions students will deepen their relationships with themselves and others from an asset-based approach. They will explore their familial connections as well as how their parts in communities affect how they see and understand their identity. They will learn and understand how their personal and collective identities encompass strengths, areas for growth, aspirations, and cultural and linguistic assets. This learning will culminate in two presentations during the unit, a presentation of a family member they interviewed as well as the presentation of personal timelines. The timeline is an opportunity for them to explore the dynamic nature of identity while both the family interview and timeline will foster the development of their awareness of self and their peers and where those identities intersect or overlap. Throughout the unit students will take opportunities to reflect on how their learning impacts their emotions.