In a nation built on the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity, understanding and appreciating diversity is more than just a classroom lesson. It’s a cornerstone of what makes our country strong. Middle and high school students are at a pivotal moment in their development, and teaching students to appreciate diversity and value the cultural differences that fuel our nation’s success helps not only build character but propels our country forward. Still, as a teacher, this is easier said than done. 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) recognizes this, and we proudly offer the Character Development Program (CDP), a free, adaptable, and engaging resource for teachers to nurture academic success, true growth in students, and a deep appreciation for the differences in our nation that have fueled our country’s success. One lesson teachers like you across the nation have turned to in order to teach students to value diversity is the “Cultural Background and Our Perception” lesson.

In this free lesson, we offer educators the tools to cultivate these important values, ensuring that the next generation not only grows into thoughtful, informed citizens but also into leaders who are committed to building a more inclusive America.

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Lesson for Teaching Students to Appreciate Diversity to Middle & High Schoolers

In this lesson, students will describe the backgrounds of Medal of Honor Recipients, analyze the importance of their respective backgrounds in their service, identify and describe the characteristics and Medal of Honor values displayed, and analyze how the personal backgrounds of the Medal of Honor Recipients were not barriers to their willingness to serve.

In doing so, you will empower middle and high school students to recognize that our nation’s strength lies in its diversity and instill an understanding that our differences are key to creating a more united, compassionate society. Here is how our lesson will help you equip your students with the perspective needed to appreciate and value diversity! 

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What Materials Do You Get to Help with Teaching Students to Appreciate Diversity?

When you provide resources and guidance to help your students learn and appreciate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each brings to the table, they build empathy, respect, and the ability to work together toward common goals. 

The materials we provide help you accomplish precisely that! With this module, you will receive ready-made, teacher-created materials that will be crucial to fulfilling your mission of teaching students to appreciate diversity. 

First, you will gain access to a lesson plan that you can seamlessly adapt to your curriculum. Below, you can see the lesson plan you will receive with this module; all you have to do is register for free to download the PDF!

Click here to access this lesson plan and more!

On top of this lesson plan, you will gain access to the Portraits of Valor, which highlight the core Medal of Honor value of sacrifice and revolve around the Recipients, Michael “Mike” Colalillo, George Taro “Joe” Sakato, and James Elms Swett. 

Finally, you will gain access to engaging living history video lessons that will provide an immersive experience for your students and highlight the diversity of those who have served our nation, protected our freedoms, and exemplified the Medal of Honor values.

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How Teaching Students to Appreciate Diversity with This Lesson Works

This lesson provides an engaging mix of individual and group activities that will illustrate the importance of diversity to your middle school or high school class. This module can be one or two classes long. Here’s how teaching students to appreciate diversity with this lesson works!

You will begin with an introductory activity that entails encouraging your students to discuss how someone’s cultural background impacts others’ perceptions of them. This will give your students an opportunity to discuss their own experiences, engage in crucial self-exploration, and gain perspective as they listen to their peers give their lived experiences. 

Then, you will begin an activity that can be for a small group or individual. Either in small groups or on their own, they will cycle through three different stations that you prepare representing each Recipient and reading the profiles and citations of the three Recipients mentioned above.

All of these profiles and citations are available for free in the module – all you have to do is register to download the Portraits of Valor, print them off, and set up the stations!

Click here to access the Portraits of Valor profiles, video lessons, and more!

After reading the different profiles, your students will then determine where the Recipients were born, describe their cultural background, and summarize why they received the Medal of Honor. After this activity, you will segway into a whole group activity. 

During the whole group activity, your students will view the videos depicting the three Recipients, discussing the diversity of each and describing what they have discussed and how they can relate this information they gleaned to their own lives.
You will then segway into another small group or individual activity, which offers some flexibility for you as an educator, in which your students will write a reflection on what they have learned about how a person’s background affects their opinion of them. 

Ultimately, they will be ruminating and expressing to what extent they believe a person’s background might affect their willingness to meet and interact with people different from themselves. To conclude your lesson, your students will share their reflections with the class. 

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Why is Diversity Important for Your Students to Appreciate?

By encouraging your students to appreciate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each person brings to the table, they build empathy, respect, and the ability to work together toward common goals. Teaching students to appreciate diversity in the classroom instills:

• Personal growth and social skills, such as empathy and understanding. It also reduces prejudice and stereotypes, improves communication and collaboration skills, and builds self-esteem and confidence.
• Academic skills by enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving, increasing academic achievement, and preparing students for a globalized world. 
• An understanding of their societal impact by promoting social justice and equality while fostering civic engagement, turning your students into the heroes and leaders of tomorrow.

• Teaching students to value diversity is not just about being politically correct; it’s about equipping them with the essential skills and values they need to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

By teaching students to appreciate diversity, you are fostering empathy, promoting understanding, and building a more just and equitable society for all.

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Do You Need Help Teaching Students to Appreciate Diversity to Middle and High School Students? Register for CDP Today! 

Through teaching students to appreciate diversity with these thoughtfully designed lessons, you’re not just teaching history or social studies; you’re helping shape informed, empathetic citizens who understand that diversity is integral to America’s past, present, and future success. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your classroom into a space where diversity is celebrated and understanding flourishes by Registering for CDP today for FREE. Your students will gain invaluable perspectives that will serve them and our nation for years to come.