Understanding Different Points of View

Use this selection of articles, lessons, and activities to raise secondary students' awareness of different points of view. Explore multiculturalism and diversity through writing assignments, interviews, and role playing. Learning that people perceive things differently will help students resolve conflicts and reduce miscommunication. These resources will aid students' development of cultural understanding.

Lessons & Activities Exploring Cross-Cultural Miscommunication Prevent students from jumping to conclusions about people from different cultures with this lesson about multiculturalism and diversity. Exploring Cultural Points of View Increase communication between students of different cultures with this interview based activity. How Words Affect Others Use this lesson in collaboration with Understanding Symbols: Empowering or Offensive to show students how words can affect others. Listening to Another Point of View Practice seeing situations from different points of view with role playing. Recalling Personal Experiences Children will sketch pictures representing two events in their lives that have influenced them. Seeing the Same Event Through Different Eyes Help students to develop a greater awareness of just how many different ways people can perceive things. Understanding Symbols: Empowering or Offensive The use of symbols, like the Confederate Flag, can either empower an individual or offend them. In this lesson students will find the sensitivity needed to understand peoples' different beliefs. Viewing Pictures Differently Students will work to understand that different people can see a similar situation differently. Arab Americans Assist students to understand the culture and history of Arab Americans with this role playing interview activity. Camel Rider Discussion and Activity Guide Increase students' knowledge of the Middle East with discussion questions, writing activities, and educational resources for Camel Rider.

Articles Background Information -- Understanding Different Points of View Use this background information to teach students that people perceive things differently and understanding this will help them to avoid conflict. Supporting Tolerance and Cultural Understanding at Home and Around the World Join the effort to move the U.S. toward full equality, by developing a supportive, open-minded community that celebrates diversity. Related Resources Conflict Resolution Lessons Find a variety of conflict-resolution lessons from Educators for Social Responsibility. You'll learn how to create a peaceable classroom, prevent bullying, and more. Beyond Blame: Reacting to the 9/11 Terrorist Attack Beyond Blame: Reacting to the Terrorist Attacks was developed by Education Development Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and education around the world. The curriculum is co-sponsored by The Justice Project and the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF). Diversity Resources for Teachers October is Diversity Awareness Month. Use the printables and lessons on TeacherVision® to explore cultural similarities and differences among people in your community, as well as around the world. Social & Emotional Issues - Teacher Resources Help develop your students' social skills, emotional skills, and quality of character. These printables, lessons, and other resources will supply guidelines and advice for addressing social and emotional issues.