Social+Studies+Lesson+Plans+for+Tolerance

​ The United States As The Great American Melting Pot America has been called "The Great American Melting Pot," and this is a great place to start when introducing the global theme of tolerance in the classroom. What do Americans look like? What are some stereotypes that exist about people that can be unfair or demeaning? This lesson would work beautifully on an ActivBoard and can involve the whole class in just a few minutes. It explores the differences in culture and how that is one of the strengths of the United States. Click on the link below to review the activity and explore the possibility of it working in your classroom. []

Overview of the Activity:
 * Allow students to use the pen on the ActivBoard to drag the pictures of the people they believe to be Americans onto the map to the right.
 * The website continues by stating that Americans all look different because we are made up of various cultural heritages. What Americans do have in common is their belief in tolerance, freedom, equality, and respect for differences.
 * The website introduces the concept of the Melting Pot and has the students use the ActivPen to choose the correct answer about what makes America a melting pot.
 * One student comes to the front and types his/her initials on the screen. Then he or she highlights favorite food, activities, subject in school, etc. The website then spins the wheel and finds another person who shares those same likes.
 * The site provides a brief explanation of how the United States became so diverse beginning with the migration of the Native Americans to the United States.
 * Site allows students to answer an interactive question about reasons for immigration using the ActivPen.
 * Students then take the pen and bust balloons in order to visualize the idea of "busting stereotypes" that exist in our nation.
 * The activity concludes by reminding students that the United States is a nation that celebrates differences and stereotypes can keep us from knowing someone spectacular.

This activity is derived from Renzulli Learning Online Website.....Much more to come!