Activity Overview
Kids are very aware of the troubles facing their school, community, and the country. They hear about issues in the media and from friends and families. Sometimes thinking about the many problems humans face can feel insurmountable. However, students can be encouraged that "any act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." We are all together in the effort to make a more perfect world for future generations. Teachers can facilitate a discussion about ways in which students can talk about and tackle issues of injustice at home, within their school, in the wider community, and beyond. Then, they will create a storyboard that reflects ideas on how to fight injustices in all forms.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard to describe ways (no matter how small!) that kids can stand up against injustice in their homes, school, community, and the world.
Student Instructions:
- Using the template, choose four ways that you can make a difference in the fight against injustice.
- Write a brief title for each cell.
- Include a 1-3 sentence description and an illustration that uses appropriate characters, scenes, and items to convey the idea.
Requirements: List four ways to help fight injustice (no matter how small!) and include a brief description and appropriate illustration for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Kids are very aware of the troubles facing their school, community, and the country. They hear about issues in the media and from friends and families. Sometimes thinking about the many problems humans face can feel insurmountable. However, students can be encouraged that "any act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." We are all together in the effort to make a more perfect world for future generations. Teachers can facilitate a discussion about ways in which students can talk about and tackle issues of injustice at home, within their school, in the wider community, and beyond. Then, they will create a storyboard that reflects ideas on how to fight injustices in all forms.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard to describe ways (no matter how small!) that kids can stand up against injustice in their homes, school, community, and the world.
Student Instructions:
- Using the template, choose four ways that you can make a difference in the fight against injustice.
- Write a brief title for each cell.
- Include a 1-3 sentence description and an illustration that uses appropriate characters, scenes, and items to convey the idea.
Requirements: List four ways to help fight injustice (no matter how small!) and include a brief description and appropriate illustration for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Avenues to Activism
Guide students to research real-life examples of youth activism
Show students inspiring stories of other young people making a difference. This helps students see that activism isn’t just for adults and encourages them to dream big!
Facilitate a class discussion about issues students care about
Encourage open conversation where everyone can share what matters to them. This builds empathy and helps students connect their ideas to real-world problems.
Help students identify one small action they can take
Brainstorm simple, practical steps students can do right away—like writing a letter, making a poster, or starting a kindness campaign. This makes activism feel achievable and immediate.
Provide tools for documenting and sharing their activism
Give students resources to record their actions, such as journals, digital slideshows, or class displays. Sharing their efforts motivates others and builds a sense of accomplishment.
Celebrate and reflect on their impact together
Host a reflection activity where students discuss what they learned and how their actions made a difference. Celebrating successes inspires ongoing engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Avenues to Activism
What is an easy classroom activity to teach students about standing up against injustice?
An effective activity is having students create a storyboard that shows different ways kids can fight injustice at home, school, and in their community. This helps students brainstorm real actions and express their ideas visually.
How can I help my students identify examples of injustice in their daily lives?
Start a class discussion on issues students see or hear about, encouraging them to share experiences from home, school, or the news. Guide them to recognize both big and small injustices, making the topic relatable and actionable.
What are some simple ways kids can make a difference in their community?
Kids can practice kindness, report bullying, organize donation drives, or volunteer for local causes. Even small acts, like including others or speaking up, contribute to positive change.
How do I structure a storyboard lesson for fighting injustice for grades 6-8?
Have students pick four ways to stand up against injustice, write a brief title and description for each, and draw an illustration to represent their idea. Use templates to guide organization and creativity.
Why is it important to teach students about activism and kindness?
Teaching activism and kindness empowers students to believe their actions matter, builds empathy, and prepares them to become responsible citizens who work toward a fairer society.
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