This lesson is Day One of a two (or more) day unit. Day Two could be in the computer lab. The lesson could easily be adapted to include no computer work.

1. Introductory Questions:
Why did you come to the U.S.? (Elicit something about freedom, etc.)
What are some other words for freedom? (Elicit or teach the word tolerance.)
Bring up the idea that people come here from other countries for freedom and tolerance, but that many of our problems here reflect the fact that many people do not feel that they fit in, and many people are not tolerant of those who are different from themselves (e.g. Littleton, Colorado)

2. When students understand the word tolerance, ask them to brainstorm alone or in a group for any words related to the concept of tolerance. The important thing is to do it fast, without editing.

3. Write the results on the blackboard. Note: Some of the words that my students came up with were: government, money, guns, media, teaching kids, relationships between: countries, families, classmates, coworkers, friends; society, patience, kindness, understanding others (including other races) immigration, will, love, respect, forgiveness, compassion, education, technology/information, and drugs.

4. After looking at all of the unedited ideas, ask the students (in pairs or groups) to write a one or two sentence definition of tolerance. Stress that there are no right or wrong answers. Write some of the definitions of tolerance on the blackboard. Note: This is about as far as we got on the first day. Below are some other ideas.

5. Bring a Longman's English/English dictionary to class ( or ask students to bring them) and compare the dictionary definition with student definitions.

6. Tell the students about the Teaching Tolerance website. Tell them that we will look at the website the following day in the computer room. This is their website. Tell them to think about things that they would like to contribute either the next day in the lab, or in the future. Possible contributions: ideas about design of the website, topics, and student writing samples. Students can contribute any kind of visuals also, and I can scan them in.

Computer Class Lesson Plan

Student Writing