School Lunch Policy Kids Can Make a Difference
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School Lunch Policy Kids Can Make a Difference


Lesson Summary:

This resource is not designed for specifically Jewish audiences, so educators should adapt the materials as they deem fit for their community while addressing the Jewish values of Justice, Social Action, and to Be Inclusive.
 
From the ADL- Anti-Defamation League
In Spring 2015, two fourth grade students (boy and girl twins) in Somerset MA, decided it was time to do something about their school’s lunch policy that required boys and girls to sit at separate tables on opposite sides of the school cafeteria. Henry and Henriet James wrote an article in their school’s newspaper that questioned the policy and expressed their thoughts and feelings about separating boys and girls. To write it, they spent several weeks conducting research and interviewing people. In August 2015, North Elementary’s principal announced that the policy was reversed and now boys and girls will be able to sit together at lunch. This news story has the potential to raise two important issues for elementary students: (1) the impact of separating boys and girls and (2) the power children have to make a difference in their school, community and society.
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Henry and Henriet’s actions that led to the change in policy, explore their own opinions about gender norms/separating children by gender and write a persuasive essay about a school policy/rule they want to change.



Objectives

  • Students will learn about and understand why Henry and Henriet wrote a letter for their school newspaper. 
  • Students will explore their own thoughts and opinions about gender norms and the impact of separating boys and girls. 
  • Students will write a persuasive essay that reflects their thoughts about a school policy they’d like to change

Be Inspired:The ideas included are offered as starting points as you and your students explore, discover and live the lessons. Be sure to elicit and encourage student and parent participation, consistently reinforcing the value being addressed. Allow lessons to authentically develop and change based on engagement and interests.


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Lesson Contributors

The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all." ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.

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