Human Dignity in Action

Olivia Sparrvik

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Human Dignity in Action

Understanding and practicing human dignity

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of human dignity through historical and contemporary examples, and discuss how they can advocate for respect and kindness in their communities. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understanding and practicing human dignity

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Discussion Questions, Worksheet, Printable Cards for Dignity Pledge, and Human Dignity Vignettes

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin by asking students what they think 'human dignity' means. Write their responses on the whiteboard. Explain that human dignity means recognizing the value and worth of every person and treating them with respect and kindness.

Provide additional definitions of human dignity from various perspectives:

Religious Perspective: In the Catholic faith, human dignity is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God.
Philosophical Perspective: Philosophers like Immanuel Kant believe that human dignity comes from our ability to reason and make moral decisions.
Historical Context: Discuss how human dignity has been a central theme in movements for civil rights and social justice.
Everyday Context: In everyday life, human dignity means treating others the way we want to be treated, with kindness and respect.

Step 2

Real-Life Examples

15 mins

Share some historical and contemporary examples of individuals and groups advocating for human dignity, such as civil rights leaders or humanitarian organizations. Discuss how these actions reflect human dignity. Ask students to share any examples they have seen or experienced.

Step 3

Discussion

15 mins

Use the provided discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about how students can advocate for respect and kindness in their communities. Encourage students to think about different settings such as school, home, and community.

Step 4

Worksheet Activity

10 mins

Hand out the worksheet and ask students to complete it individually. The worksheet will include questions that help students reflect on their understanding of human dignity and how they can apply it in their lives.

Step 5

Dignity Pledge

10 mins

Provide students with printable cards and ask them to write their own 'Dignity Pledge' on how they will show respect and kindness to others. Collect the pledges and display them in the classroom as a reminder.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to facilitate a conversation about advocating for respect and kindness in daily life.

What does human dignity mean to you?

Encourage students to share their thoughts and provide examples.

Can you think of a historical figure who advocated for human dignity? What impact did they have?

Discuss the contributions of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Malala Yousafzai.

How can we advocate for respect and kindness in our community?

Discuss specific actions students can take to promote human dignity in their community.

Why is it important to treat everyone with respect and kindness?

Help students understand the broader impact of their actions on the community and society.

Worksheet

Worksheet Activity

A worksheet to help students reflect on their understanding of human dignity and how they can apply it in their lives.

What is one way you can show respect to your classmates?

Think about actions like listening, helping, or being kind.

Why is it important to recognize the value of every person?

Consider how it makes people feel and the impact on the community.

Write about a time when you showed kindness to someone. How did it make you feel?

Reflect on your actions and emotions.

Worksheet

Printable Cards for Dignity Pledge

Cards for students to write their 'Dignity Pledge' on how they will show respect and kindness to others.

I pledge to show respect by...

I pledge to show kindness by...

I pledge to recognize the value of others by...

Reading

Human Dignity Vignettes

Vignettes focused on school settings to illustrate different aspects of human dignity. These can be used as discussion starters or role-playing activities.

Vignette 1: The New Student

A new student joins the class mid-year. They are shy and have trouble making friends. Some students start whispering about them during lunch. How can you show dignity to the new student?

Vignette 2: Group Project

During a group project, one student is consistently ignored by the others. They have good ideas but are too timid to speak up. How can the group ensure everyone is heard and respected?

Vignette 3: Online Interaction

A classmate posts a picture online, and some students start making fun of it in the comments. How can you respond in a way that upholds human dignity?

Vignette 4: Classroom Debate

During a classroom debate, one student makes a mistake and others laugh. How can the class create an environment where everyone feels safe to express their opinions?