International Day for Tolerance Lesson Plan

“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”

UNESCO's 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

Discussion Questions and Activities

1. The heroes featured in these films all highlight the need for peace and tolerance. Why is their story important in today's world?

2.  The film Tools of Forgiveness is about a father who started a foundation in his son's memory to raise awareness about resisting violence and living in harmony with one another. Do you know someone who has overcome adversity and works towards a more tolerant world? Share their story with MY HERO.  

3.  The film Us and Us highlights why it is important to understand those who come from different cultures or backgrounds. Are there organizations in your community that bring together people from different backgrounds? Share the story with MY HERO. 

4. The film Upstanders: The Mosque Across the Street brought together two groups that might not have otherwise known each other. How does interacting with people from different cultures or religions bring us together and make a more peaceful world? Are there groups of different backgrounds in your community who have helped each other or worked towards a common goal? Share the story with MY HERO.

5. Racism must stop, what can be done to stop racism? What can you and your classmates do to stop racism?

6. History Will Be Repeated is a spoken word poem written and performed by Trey Carlisle. Consider creating your own spoken word poem about a cause you feel is important. Film and share your poem with MY HERO.  

Discussion Questions and Activities

1. The heroes featured in these stories have overcome adversity and are examples of being accepting of others. Are there people in your community or country that work for tolerance and the acceptance of everyone? Share their story with MY HERO. 

2. How are these heroes alike, and how are they different? 

3. Peter Copeland believes in the power of a diverse global community learning together for a common goal: that cultural exchange enhances tolerance. Have you had the opportunity to engage with students from another culture? Share the story of what you learned from this experience with MY HERO.  

4. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, worked to break caste barriers. The Dalai Lama believes in compassion, tolerance and being accepting of all people. Is there someone in your religion who works to break barriers and promote tolerance and acceptance? Share his or her story with MY HERO. 

Learning Outcomes

Students will learn the importance of appreciating and respecting people of other cultures and religions as a way to promote tolerance. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they analyze text, film, and art on the subject of tolerance. Students will identify people working towards tolerance and peace globally and within their own community.