Timely resources to help K-12 educators encourage social responsibility and foster social & emotional learning. Find out more.
TeachableMoment Lessons
Featured Lessons
This activity explores the ideas of “power over” and “power with” using a brainstorm and journaling.
This two-part lesson, intended for high school students, consists of two readings that will examine the limits on presidential power in the United States government and examine what authority the president legally holds through executive orders. Questions for discussion follow each reading, feel free to modify the questions for your students’ needs and current knowledge base of US government processes.
What is the Department of Education, and what does it do? What impact does it have on students, and how would things change if it were abolished? This two-part lesson consists of two readings that investigate the Department of Education as a historic and modern governmental agency. Questions for discussion follow each reading.
SEL & RP
Activities to support students' social and emotional learning and restorative practices
Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Tips & Ideas
Guidance and inspiration to help build skills and community in your classroom and school
Filter TeachableMoment Lessons By:
Students explore how dominant culture beauty standards and discrimination based on hairstyle choices have impacted African Americans.
How many candidates is too many? Does our current primary system make for a stronger or weaker democracy? Students explore the question, and consider the pros and cons of an
The House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into possible impeachment of President Trump. What led to the inquiry – and what is impeachment? In this lesson, students learn
Reparations for slavery have become an issue in the 2020 presidential election. In this lesson, students explore the views of candidates and write tweets in response to one of the
This lesson has students examine and discuss the different forms reparations can take, from direct payments, to broad social supports, to truth and reconciliation.
On September 20, 2019, students around the world will participate in a strike to demand immediate action on the global climate crisis. In this lesson, students learn about youth
After a series of deadly shootings this summer, lawmakers and 2020 presidential contenders are shining an intense spotlight on the issue of gun control. In this activity, students
Why are many Americans calling on the U.S. to provide reparations for slavery? In this activity, students examine recent data on the racial wealth gap, then travel back in time to
This lesson plan encourages high school students to explore the impact of racism as a central theme of Toni Morrison’s 1970 debut novel, The Bluest Eye. It includes suggestions for
Filter TeachableMoment Lessons By:
Students (grades 3-6) find out about Kamala Harris's background and her election as vice president - and reflect on their own dreams for the future. Also see our MS/HS lesson.
Students (grades 6-12) reflect on and write about Kamala Harris and the continuing "fight to be heard," and hear the voices of young people about the barriers she has broken and
Students review and reflect on the news that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared winners of the 2020 presidential election.
Using a “power pose” can help young people and adults increase their confidence before anxiety-producing activities. Here's a step by step process to help students develop the
Students share their thoughts and feelings in the wake of Election Day, reflect on the news, and take part in self-care activities.
Students reflect on the Election Day news, discuss a video about youth voting, and begin creating a self-care plan.