In the following collection you’ll find some teacher favorites from Classroom Magazines, all free of charge and organized by grade level. These stories and teaching resources were carefully selected for their capacity to inspire kids, open their minds, and help them become more empathetic and understanding of people different from them.
—the editors of Scholastic Classroom Magazines
Use these social-emotional learning resources on kindness, courage, and celebrating differences with your youngest learners.
The Skin You’re In
We all have skin! Everyone’s skin is a different color. All skin colors are beautiful! Project this poster to celebrate and explore all the different colors our skin comes in.
(from My Big World magazine)
We Choose Kindness
There is not a lot in this world that kids can choose. They can’t choose their bedtime. They often can’t choose what they’ll eat for dinner. They can’t really choose what they’ll do most days. But they can choose one huge thing: They can choose to be kind! Picture and discussion prompts help children discover how they can be kind in school.
(from Scholastic News, Edition 1)
When Words Hurt
Read about a child who was once a bully and learn and apply ways to choose kindness instead of bullying. Then watch the video and fill out the skill-building worksheet.
(from Scholastic News, Edition 2)
Kids Fought for Change
For decades, unfair laws in our nation kept black people and white people apart. About 60 years ago, a little girl named Ayanna Najuma and her friends helped bring them together.
(from Scholastic News, Edition 3)
“We’ll Always Remember”
When Jasmine and Liam learned about their hometown’s history of slavery, they found out that about 50 enslaved people were buried in the city cemetery—without a grave marker or sign to honor them. After talking to their teacher, these two kids decided to take action.
(from Scholastic News, Edition 3)
Use these stories about real children from history and today to inspire your students to understand the importance of empathy and the dangers of intolerance.
Prisoners at Home
During World War II, the U.S. government locked up tens of thousands of Japanese Americans in prison camps. These camps were surrounded by barbed wire. Soldiers carrying rifles kept people from leaving. The camps would be home for the families for the next three years. What was it like to grow up in one of these camps?
(from Scholastic News, Edition 4)
My Dangerous Journey
Selihom was just 4 years old when she escaped from her country on foot, with only her 10-year-old brother to protect her. This perilous journey was their only hope of being reunited with their mother, who had fled to the U.S. nearly three years earlier. What is it like to run for your life?
(from Scholastic News, edition 5/6)
The Boy Who Fought Hitler
Thousands of Jewish teens fought the Nazis during World War II. Ben Kamm was one of them. Help students identify main ideas as they build knowledge and learn vocabulary related to the Holocaust.
(from Storyworks magazine)
The Awesome Powers of Ethan Z.
Born with two fingers instead of ten, Ethan Zucker has learned that being different makes him just like you. Read about his experience, and then share Ethan’s tips for dealing with bullies.
(from Storyworks magazine)
Use these stories about real teens from history and today to build bridges of understanding—and to inspire your students to fight against bigotry and hatred.
From War to America
This gripping narrative nonfiction article tells the story of two brothers who journeyed from war-torn Syria to a new home in America. As they read the article, have students study the images and think about how life has changed for Francois and Cedric.
(from Scope magazine)
Growing Up Muslim in America
We bring you the story of a girl who was in school just a few blocks from the World Trade Center when the planes hit on September 11, 2001. Then read the powerful personal essay about growing up Muslim in post 9/11 America that follows the article.
(from Scope magazine)
The School That Stood Up to Hate
What happens when a school is faced with a hateful act—one that targets students of a certain race or religion? Read this inspiring article to find how one California high school fought back and came out stronger.
(from Action magazine)
Facing Down Danger
Arguments and violence have met their match in one Chicago school: a team of students called the Peace Warriors. This article promotes social-emotional learning by tackling issues that are close to your students’ hearts, such as bullying, activisim, and empathy.
(from Choices magazine)
The White Rose
Share the incredible story of a group of college students in Nazi Germany that risked their lives to defy Hitler’s rule. This article includes nonfiction text features such as maps, sidebars, and a timeline tracking the rise and fall of the Nazis.
(from The New York Times Upfront )
Alone and Afraid
Imagine being held in a small cement room with dozens of other kids. The toilet is in the corner, with no door for privacy or soap to wash your hands. Your clothes are dirty, and you can’t remember the last time you showered. This might sound like a scene from a movie, but for roughly a year and a half, it has been a reality for thousands of immigrant children in the United States.
(from Junior Scholastic magazine)
Additional Resources
These organizations offer powerful classroom tools and resources to foster tolerance, kindness, and understanding.
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images (top image)