Lesson Resources Archives - Diversity in Mind

How to Set Up Socratic Seminars: The Paired Inside-Outside Circle Approach

So, you’ve heard of Socratic Seminars and are considering introducing them into your classroom? Fantastic choice! Like introducing task cards, embracing the Socratic method can be transformative. But just as with any new teaching technique, there are both delightful discoveries and potential pitfalls to watch out for. Why Socratic Seminars? Socratic Seminars encourage critical thinking […]

How to Set Up Socratic Seminars: The Paired Inside-Outside Circle Approach Read More »

Fun Halloween Activities for Middle Schoolers

Classroom Resources, Lesson Resources / By Abena

Looking for fun Halloween activities for middle schoolers? You’re in the right place! Here, we’ll explore some hands-on activities for Halloween with lots of opportunities to learn about other cultures. Whether it’s Samhain in Ireland, El Dia De Los Muertos in the Americas, or Kawasaki in Japan, you can use these activities to dive into

Fun Halloween Activities for Middle Schoolers Read More »

Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom

Classroom Resources, Lesson Resources / By Abena

I’ve been using task cards in the classroom for a long time now, and I’ve come to love them. Here are a few reasons why: They are engaging because of the variety of activities and topics you can cover – students never seem to tire of them Anything – like task cards – that gets

Engaging Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom Read More »

Back to School Letter Activity for Teens

Classroom Resources, Lesson Resources / By Abena

Thinking of the first days of school? Here I share a ‘letter to my teacher’ activity for teens in middle school and high school (11-18). It can be used with younger or older students and the template I provide is fully editable for customising to your needs. Why Ask Students To Write A Letter? For

Back to School Letter Activity for Teens Read More »

Mindset and Culturally Responsive Sustaining Classrooms: How?

CSP, Lesson Resources, Reading / By Abena

In the last post on mindset, we explore the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of a growth mindset in the culturally sustaining classroom. This time, I share how I explore the topic of a growth mindset with my middle and high school students. Getting Ready to Learn About Growth Mindset in the Culturally-Sustaining Classroom As we know,

Mindset and Culturally Responsive Sustaining Classrooms: How? Read More »

Back to School: The First Days of School

Lesson Resources / By Abena

For many in the Western hemisphere, the holidays are ending and teachers are thinking about their back to school lessons. Whether it’s Meet the Teacher or All about Me for students to get to know each other, this post explores how to start the year strong. Back to School Priorities To create a safe and

Back to School: The First Days of School Read More »

Blackout Poetry (Found Poems)

Classroom Resources, CSP, ELLs, Lesson Resources / By Abena

Many students find poetry daunting, so – for me – it’s important to find low-pressure, fun activities to use with poems. Blackout or found poetry is one approach students love. Here, I’ll share how I use this activity with students online or in person. For me, poetry is ultimately about playing with and manipulating language

Blackout Poetry (Found Poems) Read More »

Voice and Choice in World Mythology

Classroom Resources, CSP, Lesson Resources, Mythology / By Abena

Offering students more choice and voice in the classroom can contribute to a culturally-sustaining classroom. As you design with students, you are naturally more likely to create a space where they feel valued as contributors. One way I do this in our World Mythology course is by asking students what topics they want to learn

Voice and Choice in World Mythology Read More »

Inclusive End-Of-Year Activities

Games, Inclusion, Lesson Resources / By Abena

For many in the Western hemisphere and beyond, the school year ends in June or July. And what a year it’s been for schools! Online, offline, hybrid…whatever you’re particular challenges have been, here are some inclusive end-of-year activities to help round off this epic 12 months. If you’re still in school, you may just find something

Inclusive End-Of-Year Activities Read More »

Cooperative Board Games In The Classroom

Classroom Resources, Games, Inclusion, Lesson Resources / By Abena

A while back, I came across the concept of cooperative games through the popular board game Pandemic. Since then, my family and I have purchased several more including Forbidden Island and Outfoxed. Watching my kids play without sibling rivalry, and seeing how they really wanted each other to succeed, I wondered how I could harness

Cooperative Board Games In The Classroom Read More »