Lesson Plan
Your Many Voices
Students will be able to define code-switching and identify situations where it is used. They will also reflect on how they code-switch in their own lives and understand its importance for effective communication and social navigation.
Understanding code-switching helps students become more aware of their communication styles and adapt them appropriately in different social contexts. This skill is crucial for building strong relationships, navigating diverse environments, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, quick scenario analysis, and personal reflection.
Materials
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
Review the Your Many Voices Slide Deck, Your Many Voices Script, and Code-Switching Scenarios Activity to familiarize yourself with the content and flow. Ensure all digital materials are accessible.
Step 1
Introduction: What is Code-Switching?
5 minutes
- Begin with a hook question: “Have you ever changed the way you talk or act depending on who you’re with or where you are?”
- Introduce the concept of code-switching using Your Many Voices Slide Deck (Slide 2-3).
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts from the Your Many Voices Script.
Step 2
Why Do We Code-Switch?
7 minutes
- Present common reasons for code-switching using Your Many Voices Slide Deck (Slide 4-5).
- Provide examples, and ask students to share their initial thoughts on why people might do this.
- Emphasize that code-switching is a natural and often necessary social skill, not about being inauthentic.
Step 3
Scenario Analysis Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Code-Switching Scenarios Activity.
- Divide students into small groups or pairs.
- Instruct them to read the scenarios and discuss how someone might code-switch in each situation, and why.
- Circulate to provide support and encourage deeper thinking.
- After a few minutes, bring the class back together for a brief sharing of insights from a couple of scenarios.
Step 4
Reflection and Wrap-Up
8 minutes
- Use Your Many Voices Slide Deck (Slide 6) for reflection prompts.
- Ask students to individually reflect on a time they code-switched or a situation where they might need to in the future.
- Reiterate the main idea: code-switching helps us navigate different social worlds effectively.
- Conclude by asking students to share one key takeaway from the lesson (e.g., in a quick show of hands or one-word share out).
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Slide Deck
Your Many Voices: The Art of Code-Switching
How do you talk and act differently depending on who you're with?
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic with an intriguing question to grab their attention. Emphasize that there's no right or wrong answer at this stage.
What is Code-Switching?
Code-switching is when you change how you speak, dress, or act to fit in with different groups or situations.
- Think about how you talk to your best friend vs. your principal.
- Or how you act at a party vs. in a library.
Introduce the term 'code-switching' and provide a simple, relatable definition. Use examples they might encounter daily.
We All Do It!
It's like having different 'channels' for different situations!
- Channel 1: Home Voice (relaxed, maybe slang, comfortable)
- Channel 2: School Voice (more formal, respectful)
- Channel 3: Friends Voice (casual, inside jokes)
It's not about being fake; it's about being effective!
Elaborate on the idea that everyone code-switches, and it's a normal part of social interaction. Give more examples if needed.
Why Do We Code-Switch? Part 1
People code-switch for many reasons:
- To Show Respect: For teachers, elders, or people in charge.
- To Be Understood: Using words or examples that make sense to the person you're talking to.
- To Be Polite: Knowing what's appropriate for the situation.
Begin discussing the reasons why people code-switch. Start with a positive reason like showing respect or making others comfortable.
Why Do We Code-Switch? Part 2
More reasons we code-switch:
- To Build Connections: Finding common ground with a new group.
- To Feel Safe or Belong: Adapting to fit in with a group and avoid conflict.
- To Achieve Goals: Like asking a teacher for an extension vs. telling a friend you'll be late.
Continue with more reasons, including safety and belonging, which are important for SEL. Connect it to fitting in or avoiding misunderstandings.
Time to Reflect
Think about these questions:
- When have you code-switched before?
- What was the situation?
- Why did you do it?
- How did it feel?
Code-switching helps us navigate the many different social worlds we live in!
Present reflection prompts for students to consider their own experiences with code-switching. Encourage thoughtful, honest reflection.
Script
Your Many Voices: The Art of Code-Switching Script
Introduction: What is Code-Switching? (5 minutes)
(Slide 1: Your Many Voices: The Art of Code-Switching)
"Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought experiment. Have you ever noticed yourself changing the way you talk or act depending on who you’re with or where you are? Maybe you use different words with your friends than you do with your grandparents, or you behave differently at a school assembly than you do at a sports game? Give me a nod if that sounds familiar."
"Great! Today, we're going to talk about this super common and really important social skill called code-switching."
(Slide 2: What is Code-Switching?)
"So, what exactly is code-switching? It’s simply when you adjust how you speak, dress, or act to fit in with different groups or situations. It’s like you have different ‘channels’ for different parts of your life. Think about how you might talk to your best friend compared to how you talk to our principal. Pretty different, right? Or how you act at a fun party versus how you act in a quiet library."
(Slide 3: We All Do It!)
"Exactly! We all do it, and it's a completely normal part of navigating our social world. It’s not about being fake or inauthentic. It's about being effective and respectful in different environments. You have your 'home voice,' your 'school voice,' your 'friends voice' – and they all serve a purpose!"
Why Do We Code-Switch? (7 minutes)
(Slide 4: Why Do We Code-Switch? Part 1)
"So, why do we do this? Why do we have these different 'channels'? Well, people code-switch for many good reasons. One big reason is to show respect. We might use more formal language or have more reserved body language when speaking to a teacher, an elder, or someone in a position of authority. It shows we value their role and the situation."
"Another reason is to be understood. If you’re trying to explain something to someone, you’ll naturally adjust your words so they can follow along easily. You wouldn't use highly technical scientific jargon with someone who hasn't studied science, for example. And of course, to be polite is a huge one. We learn what’s considered appropriate behavior and language in different settings to avoid offending anyone or making anyone uncomfortable."
(Slide 5: Why Do We Code-Switch? Part 2)
"We also code-switch to build connections. When you meet new people, you might try to find common ground in how you speak or the topics you discuss to help form a bond. Sometimes, it's to feel safe or belong. We might adapt our communication to fit in with a group and avoid feeling like an outsider or facing conflict. And finally, sometimes it's simply to achieve goals. You’d likely approach asking a teacher for an extension very differently than you would tell a friend you’re running late for a movie. The goal is the same—to communicate a message—but the approach changes based on the audience and situation."
"Any initial thoughts or questions about these reasons? Does anyone want to share an example of a time they've seen someone code-switch?"
Scenario Analysis Activity (10 minutes)
"Alright, now it’s your turn to practice being social detectives! I’m going to hand out the Code-Switching Scenarios Activity."
"I want you to get into small groups of 2-3 people. In your groups, you'll read through these scenarios. For each one, discuss how someone might code-switch in that particular situation, and more importantly, why they might choose to do so. Think about the language they might use, their body language, or even their tone of voice."
"You'll have about 7 minutes to discuss a couple of scenarios with your group. Then we'll come back together and share some of your insights. Ready? Go!"
(Circulate among groups, providing support and encouraging discussion.)
"Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Can one or two groups share a scenario you discussed and what insights you had about code-switching in that situation? What was one interesting point your group made?"
Reflection and Wrap-Up (8 minutes)
(Slide 6: Time to Reflect)
"Fantastic discussions, everyone! Now, let’s take a moment for some personal reflection. Look at these questions on the slide:"
"* When have you code-switched before? Maybe in a specific place or with certain people?"
"* What was the situation?"
"* Why did you choose to do it?"
"* And how did it feel to adapt your communication?"
"Take a moment to quietly think about these. You don't have to share unless you want to, but really reflect on your own experiences."
"To wrap up, remember that code-switching is a valuable skill. It helps us navigate the many different social worlds we live in every single day. It allows us to communicate effectively, build relationships, and show respect, making our social interactions smoother and more successful."
"To end our lesson, can you give me one word that summarizes what you learned or what stood out to you today?"
Activity
Code-Switching Scenarios Activity
Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario below. Discuss:
- How might the person in the scenario code-switch (change their way of speaking, acting, or dressing)?
- Why would they choose to code-switch in this situation?
- What might be the benefits or challenges of code-switching in this scenario?
Scenario 1: The Formal Presentation
Mariah is usually very bubbly and uses a lot of slang when she’s with her friends. Today, she has to give a presentation to her class and the school principal about a new club idea.
- How might Mariah code-switch?
- Why would she code-switch?
- Benefits/Challenges?
Scenario 2: New Friends, New School
Jamal just moved to a new town and is starting at a new school. He used to hang out with a group that loved sports and used a lot of sports analogies in their conversations. His new classmates are more interested in video games and fashion.
- How might Jamal code-switch?
- Why would he code-switch?
- Benefits/Challenges?
Scenario 3: Talking to Your Younger Sibling
Elena is explaining a complicated board game to her 5-year-old brother. Usually, she uses complex vocabulary and speaks quickly with her older friends.
- How might Elena code-switch?
- Why would she code-switch?
- Benefits/Challenges?