Making the World a Fairer Place: Talking About Social Problems
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about social problems.
- Talk about why these problems are important and how they affect people.
- Read about how people around the world are fighting for equality.
- Listen to a person talk about their experiences with discrimination.
- Write about how education can help solve social problems.
Key Words:
- Inequality: When people don’t have the same opportunities or treatment.
- Poverty: When people don’t have enough money for basic needs like food and shelter.
- Racism: Treating someone unfairly because of their race or skin color.
- Sexism: Treating someone unfairly because of their gender.
- Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly because of who they are.
- Human Rights: Basic rights that everyone deserves, like the right to be safe and free.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some social problems you know about? (Think about problems you’ve seen in your community or on the news.)
- Have you ever seen or experienced discrimination? How did it make you feel?
- What are some things people can do to make the world a fairer place?
Let’s Read!
People all over the world are fighting for fairness and equality. They want everyone to have the same opportunities, no matter their race, gender, or how much money they have. There are many groups working to change laws and make things better for everyone.
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short interview with someone who has faced discrimination. Focus on the words they use to describe their feelings and experiences.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a journalist. The other is a person who works for a human rights organization. The journalist asks questions about the organization’s work.
Example:
- Journalist: “What are some of the biggest problems your organization is trying to solve?”
- Activist: “We’re working to end racism and discrimination in our schools and communities.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about how education can help solve social problems like poverty and inequality.
Extra Fun:
If you can, research a famous person who fought for human rights. What did they do to make a difference?
