4th Grade Diversity Lesson Plan

Topic: Exploring Diversity

Book: Brown Girl Dreaming

Published: August 28, 2014

Subject: English Language Arts

Culture: African American

Grade Level/s: 4th Grade - can be used in 5th grade

Lesson Date: 09-22-2023

 Nevada Academic Content Standards:

 ELA.RL.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the
text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
 ELA.RL.4.3: Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or
drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
 ELA.RL.4.9: Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and
topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the
quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
 DI.3-5.10: I know that the way groups of people are treated today, and the
way they have been treated in the past, is a part of what makes them who they
are.

Lesson Objective:
Students will collaborate to analyze and interpret the theme of diversity in
the novel "Brown Girl Dreaming" by comparing and contrasting characters
from various stories, enhancing their understanding of diversity through
research and constructing a Venn Diagram.

Materials Needed:

 Copies of the novel “Brown Girl Dreaming”

 Audio recording of Novel (optional)
 Index cards or Sticky notes
 Chromebooks
 Graphic organizer worksheet / lined paper
 Procedure
Introduction -Start off by discussing the concept of diversity with students. Ask students to
share their understanding of Diversity and provide examples of diverse elements
in their own lives (religions, cultures, languages).
-Display the essential question for the unit: “How does diversity shape who we
are and our experiences?”
-Explain that we will be reading and exploring to gain a deeper understanding of
diversity through the novel “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson.
-Prepare audio recording of selected passages from novel (optional)
Begin -Read aloud pages 1-10 only with students or play audio recording.
-Provide each student with an index card or sticky note. Instruct students to write
reading. (Play any thoughts or questions they might have while listening to the passage.
audio if preferred)
Discussion: -Go over the essential question as a class and call on students for their input.
-Write following questions on board: “What examples of diversity did you notice
in the passages we read? Why do you think it is important to recognize and
appreciate diversity?” Call on only a couple of students to share any observations
or questions they’ve written down then.
-Allow students to discuss their thoughts with each other for 5 min.
Activities: Activity 1: Research.(Think Pair Share) Have students partner up with their
shoulder partner. Have students take out their Chromebooks. They will also
need paper and pencil to take down details/notes. Instruct them to research
different stories from a different culture that also addresses diversity. This could
range from myths, short stories or common folk tales. Remind students to write
down notes as they do their research and encourage them to discuss any
similarities and differences they notice. Give students 15-10 min for research.
Activity 2: Venn Diagram. Partners will have 1 graphic organizer worksheet to
turn in. Remind students to put both names on the worksheet to receive any
credit. Instruct students to compare and contrast the act of diversity in the novel
with ONE of the stories they have found. They should consider characters,
events, and themes. Give students enough time to complete worksheets.
End the lesson by reviewing the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity
among different cultures.
Assessment
Portrayal in understanding of diversity showing in “Brown Girl Dreaming” be assessed
through: Participation in group/class discussions and partner activities and a complete
creation of a graphic organizer comparing and contrasting diversity of different stories.
Alignment of Social Justice Standard and Nevada Academic Content Standards listed.