Lesson 1:

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:

    a. taboo--- something you must avoid doing or saying because society thinks it is offensive, embarrassing, or wrong
    eg. For many cultures, uttering the word "dead" on the New Year's day is a taboo.

    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."

4. Have students e-mail or interview both the teachers in the school who immigrated to America from other countries and the ESL teachers who are native to the Unite States. They will ask these teachers about the cultural taboos and social etiquette that new immigrant students should be aware of and the advice that can help the new immigrant students succeed more quickly in American schools.

Homework assignment: Write a four-paragraph essay titled "Common Misunderstandings".