Historical Background
Get an introduction to the important historical events and issues that are explored throughout the rest of the book Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools.
Teaching with Video Testimony
Students watch video testimony from a Holocaust survivor and engage in purposeful reflection about the survivor’s important story.
Western Imperialism and Nation Building in Japan and China
Students are introduced to the history of Western imperialism in East Asia and its influence on the identities and ambitions of Japan and China.
Use Poetry To Teach About Identity
Celebrate National Poetry Month with this mini-lesson that uses poetry to help students grapple with the complexities of identity and inspire them to tell their own stories.
Introducing and Dissecting the Writing Prompt
Students begin to understand and stake out a preliminary position in response to the assessment writing prompt.
Introducing Evidence Logs
After learning about the Armenian Genocide, students reflect on the writing prompt a second time by adding a historical lense.
Adding to Evidence Logs, 1 of 4
Students incorporate new evidence from the history of the Weimar era into the position they are developing.
Adding to Evidence Logs, 2 of 4
Students consider how what they've learned about the rise of the Nazi Party influences their thinking about the essay prompt and practice making inferences.
Adding to Evidence Logs, 3 of 4
Students review the documents and videos from previous lessons and consider what information supports, expands, or challenges their thinking about the essay.
Adding to Evidence Logs, 4 of 4
Students reflect on, gather evidence for, and discuss the unit writing prompt in its entirety.
Refining the Thesis and Finalizing Evidence Logs
Students reflect on the unit as a whole and begin to write a strong thesis statement for their essay.