Aim: What are some common misunderstandings we have experienced in American schools?
Instructional Objectives: Students will be able to describe orally some common misunderstandings caused by the culture differences; be able to produce a four-paragraph report of information on the common misunderstandings; display sensitivity, empathy, and respect for some of the cultural differences of fellow immigrant students.
Materials: computers with Internet access, notebooks, and pens.
Do Now: Is there anything you did in your country that is misunderstood in the United States? How does this make you feel about the traditions you encounter in the United States? (This Do Now activity can be used for Motivation.)
Instructional Activities:
1. Brainstorm some common misunderstandings
from the students on the board. For example, how a student's age is determined
or the order of first and last names in the United states.
2. Instruct students to draft a four-paragraph
report explaining the common misunderstandings that have been brainstormed
on the board. (See the
sample essay)
1st
paragraph: State
the
controlling idea.
2nd paragraph: Describe three common misunderstandings to illustrate
the controlling idea.
3rd paragraph: Give a detailed example to discuss one of the
common misunderstandings discussed in the 2nd paragraph.
4th paragraph: Restate the controlling idea in the first paragraph.
3. Assign students
to write this report for their homework.
4. Introduce the new vocabulary words:
b. etiquette--- the formal rules for polite behavior in society or in a particular group eg. Show a posture of bowing and say: "The Japanese bow when they greet one another. This is one of Japanese social etiquette."
Homework assignment: Write a four-paragraph essay titled "Common Misunderstandings".