Unit Plan Grade 5 - Hidden Voices ELA Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in U.S. History

In this Grade 5 Mini Unit, Fighting Injustice, through the reading and analysis of the anchor text, Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, as well as interviews with Fred Korematsu and his daughter Karen, students develop an understanding of the impact anti-Asian sentiments and discriminatory laws, such as Executive Order 9066, had on Japanese Americans as well as how Fred responded to those sentiments and laws. Students draw connections between historical events and the current cultural and political climate, as well as the personal experiences of members of the Asian American community today. Through their analysis work, students consider how education and advocacy can keep history from repeating itself, ensuring that we learn from the past.
The Hidden Voices project has evolved to encompass a multidisciplinary approach so that the contributions and accomplishments of underrepresented groups are incorporated across all subjects and students’ learning experiences. These new resources align to the chancellor’s priorities and commitment to providing culturally responsive instructional materials and practices to better represent New York City’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity.