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Washington Redskins Controversy

Teacher: Xyzzy Godfrey
Subject and grade level: Social Studies, 5th grade
Location: Campbell, CA
Brief Description: Students explore the controversy around the name of the Washington Redskins, a team in the National Football League.
Classroom context:

This lesson took place in a 5th grade social studies / English language arts class in a Grades 5-8 middle school. The 24 students in the class have significant language, and socio-economic diversity. About 50% of the students in the class are English learners or have limited English proficiency (LEP), with most having intermediate or higher level language skills in English. This lesson occurred in late November, about 3 months after the start of the school year.

Part 1

Resources: (1) YouTube video of a local television news segment about the Washington Redskins controversy; (2) CNN news article about the issue; (3) T-chart graphic organizer used in the lesson.
 

Part 2