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Here are five ways to incorporate social justice into the classroom.
- Help students find a social justice issue they are passionate about.
- Challenge them to write from a different perspective.
- Include books from a variety of authors.
- Make the classroom a safe space.
“Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.” National Association of Social Workers.
How do you explain social justice to a child?
Social justice reminds us that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities and to be treated without prejudice. When institutions make decisions or act in ways that discriminate against someone because of their race, religion, age, gender or sexuality, this is a social injustice.
To teachers who aren’t yet comfortable engaging with students about social justice, here’s my advice: Let them talk. Open the floor and listen without judgment. Let them disclose what they’re feeling and thinking. Be the facilitator.
How do you teach justice to students?
Try lessons like these to get your students thinking about social justice:
- Outside-inside. Give pairs of students a piece of fruit.
- Who’s job is it? Teach gender and racial stereotypes by talking about different careers.
- Seeing both sides. Bring a current policy or law into the classroom for discussion.
How do I talk to my child about social injustice?
Tips for How to Talk to Kids About Racism and Social Justice
- Reflect on what you know.
- Do your research.
- Acknowledge what you don’t know.
- Limit exposure to media and social media.
- Listen and encourage your child.
- Monitor your child’s emotions.
- Correct misinformation.
- Talk about race in age-appropriate ways.
How do you show justice at school?
Teaching Guide: Fairness
- Take Turns.
- Tell the truth.
- Play by the rules.
- Think about how your actions will affect others.
- Listen to people with an open mind.
- Don’t blame others for your mistakes.
- Don’t take advantage of other people.
- Don’t play favorites.
Social justice knowledge helps students better tackle real-world problems by looking at them from multiple viewpoints. But social justice is more than just a single subject to be taught. Over time, students learn to look at current and historical events – even their own actions – through the lens of social justice.
What is social justice examples?
Justice is the concept of fairness. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in society. That includes fairness in healthcare, employment, housing, and more.