Introducing Equity and Equality:
Lesson Two

Overview
This lesson follows Lesson One on equity and equality.

Objectives
Students will

• Recognize the difference between equity (fairness) and equality (even distribution).
• Problem solve situations of distribution.
• Discuss and recognize difference in opinion

Materials
-Chart paper
-Handout with situation

Introduction
1. Review your definition of equality. Here are some talking points: “In class yesterday, we discussed equality. We learned that equality means things are equal and the same. Today we are going to talk about equity. The word ‘equity’ sounds a lot like equality, but it means something different.

Lesson

2. Ask students: “Before we get started, who needs a pencil?” Pass out pencils to the students who request them. Question the action: “Just now, was I being fair? Did I give a pencil to everyone?”
3. Discuss why you gave pencils only to those students who needed them. Try to work a definition: distribution based on need.
4. Brainstorm real-world example when things are given out based on needs, not necessarily equally.

Whole group work

5. Present the following situations and discuss whether or not they are situations of equality or equity.

• In the cafeteria, each student picks up a tray of the exact same lunch.
• At home your mom gives your older brother 3 pieces of pizza and gives you 2 pieces of pizza.
• Your teacher gives pencils to the students who need them.
• Your teacher gives the same homework to every student.
• Your teachers ask you to do some extra work to help you in math.
• Your teacher gives you extra help in reading during lunch.

Individual work

Ask students to draw and label a situation and/or their own situation that demonstrates equality or equity.

Share
Ask a few students to share their work.

Evaluation
Evaluate student understand through presentation of group work and through independent inquiry.

To Lesson Three

Subject Areas:
Social Justice


Grade Levels:  K-2

About the teacher:

Karyn Wynn is a first grade teacher at P.S. 204 in the South Bronx. In her third year teaching, Karyn builds a community classroom with her students, emphasizing team work, building self esteem and celebrating every student accomplishment. As the lead first grade teacher at her school, Karyn collaborates with her collegues to integrate and differential curriculum across the grade. A recent, Teaching Fellow graduate, Karyn holds a Masters in Education from Mercy College. Karyn in still involved in the Teaching Fellow Advisory Board, supporting their mission to recruit and train new teachers to serve high need areas. Participating in the Teacher's College Writing Project this year, Karyn hopes to create a more dynamic writing workshop, as well as, developing a love of literacy in her classroom. It is this area of study which Karyn hopes to further investigate in her teacher research project thought the Teachers Network Leadership Institute fellowship. When Karyn is not teaching, she loves to travel, cook and read.

karynwynn@hotmail.com