Module 3
Innovation & Creative Thinking
My lesson spans over multiple days because I think it is important for the students to have enough time to explore SDG 11. Due to its cross-curricular nature students could potentially have time in other blocks to continue their research or prototype building depending on the schedule. Here is my lesson plan.
Works Cited
St. Norbert College. “Creativity Can Change the World: SNCtalks 2022.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Mar. 2022, youtu.be/MxnJtIav7I8?si=RFaFuFtpMSxU1p-8.
Curiosity & Wonder
I chose Lesson Plan 2 – The Importance of Embracing Questions Grade Level 6-8 (SDG #16) from Global Oneness Project. I chose this lesson to focus on as I enjoy teaching intermediate students and thought it would give me an opportunity to explore a potential lesson for my future classroom.
How you would adapt the lesson to your grade level and subject area
Something I have noticed with grade 6/7 students is that they enjoy working collaboratively in groups, which also allows for my quieter students to have their voices heard in a smaller setting. I think I would break this lesson up into parts by having my students look at the comic Asking Questions by Grant Snider first. I would have them brainstorm on a vertical surface a burning question they have about an appropriate topic of their choice. Their questions and curiosities would lead us into a discussion on why asking questions are important and how some questions have us asking more questions.
After sharing the quotes from Elie Wiesel I would split my students into groups and assign each group a different coloured white board marker. Each group would have a set amount of time to re-read the quote and answer the question, when the time ended each group would move to the next quote and repeat. This would continue until all the students had the chance to contribute to the three questions. Once the original group was back they would summarize the ideas of their peers to share with the class. Since the whole class has contributed to all three quotes I would get my students to create a comic about the quotes they explored thinking who their audience is and where they would want to display their comic.
Reflection: How you would integrate ideas from the lesson you chose into your classroom
I think the lesson gives a great platform to jump off of to explore SEL competencies. I would use the movie Inside Out for students to explore their self-awareness and have them reflect in an on-going journal throughout the year. I also may tie Art into this and have students create how they see their emotions inside them. I also would bring in an array of books that ‘mirror’ the students in the room, but also have other books that provide a ‘window’ for my students to see others’ perspectives.
I also like the What’s Happening Now section with the visualization model Ariel Burger has written and think bringing a mindfulness practice to visualize the connections we all hold is important. I think starting the day off with a visualization or mindfulness practice would benefit all students and allow them to build positive relationships within and out of the classroom.
How you would connect the lesson to one or more SDG
This lesson is structured around personal and social exploration, as well as the ability to empathize with others and build connections. I would connect this lesson to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being as students work on building relationships as well as recognizing their own needs. I also would connect this to SDG 4: Quality Education as a main thread of this lesson is on SEL, and without understanding your own needs and ability to self regulate there will be an inability to learn. Since this lesson allows students to use books or articles as ‘windows’ into others perspectives I think I would also connect it to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions as there is a focus on building inclusive societies which could also engage students in activism leading to being a global citizen.
Your favourite takeaways and student responses
I like how adaptable this lesson can be for a variety of learners that allows them to engage in the material at a level they are at. Using groups of students to build the knowledge base allows shared knowledge to happen and gets students to think critically about what their peers have added. My biggest takeaway is the ability to integrate a practice of visualization or mindfulness that will continue to benefit students beyond the classroom.
Works Cited
Global Oneness Project. “The Importance of Embracing Questions.” Global Oneness Project, www.globalonenessproject.org/sites/default/files/lesson-plans/lesson–ms–learning-and-teaching-from-the-heart.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.