Curriculum & Resources

Curricula and lesson plans on topics ranging from climate change to happiness.

YES! Recommends: ServiceSpace

posted Jan 30, 2012

ServiceSpace is a movement for generosity on social and personal levels. The site features projects that inspire generous behavior and chronicle the acts of kindness of ServiceSpace volunteers.

When You Tell Them My Story, Please Mention That I Like Flaming Hot Cheetos

posted Dec 21, 2011

What happens when students are given the honor and onus of writing a complete stranger's story in poetry form? Middle school students from rural and urban Oregon took the risk, transforming preconceived notions—from gangs to trailer trash, stuck up rich people to redneck hicks— into bridges.

Words That Inspire: Because

posted Dec 21, 2011

Instead of a letter, Terry Tempest Williams wrote a poem to nominate Lily Yeh as a YES! Breakthrough 15 Hero. The poem shared the many reasons why Lily Yeh is worthy of consideration. Who are the people students might be inspired to honor with a poem?

YES! Recommends: Americans Who Tell The Truth

posted Dec 21, 2011

Americans Who Tell the Truth spotlights 170 portraits of truth tellers—people who fought for all people's rights with courage and determination—to teach students of all ages not only about their heritage, but also to stand up for what they believe in.

Visual Learning: To Dye For

posted Dec 21, 2011

With this YES! lesson plan, try to truly understand an image, its message, and why it's interesting (or not). In this case, it's all about where we get our clothes.

Curriculum & Resources: Maps That Stretch the Mind

posted Dec 21, 2011

Like history, maps tell a story from the writer or creator's perspective. ODT Maps believes that there are many ways to see the world—including upside down. Explore the organization's many maps (with thoughtful explanations), videos, free downloads, quizzes, and more.

Curriculum & Resources: Civil Rights Curriculum

posted Dec 21, 2011

In 1942, Fred Korematsu was arrested and convicted for refusing to go with other Japanese Americans to incarceration camps mandated under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order No. 9066. The Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education shares lesson plans, videos, and other classroom resources to teach students the importance of speaking up for civil rights for all.

Words That Inspire: We are the 1%

posted Nov 23, 2011

Some members of the 1% have shared messages of solidarity with the 99%. What goes into a sign that makes a lasting impression? Explore an activity to help your students understand—and create their own—powerful signs.

YES! Recommends: Creative Change Educational Solutions

posted Nov 23, 2011

Creative Change's comprehensive approach to curriculum transformation places food systems, renewable energy, urban revitalization, and other sustainability issues at the center of education innovation and reform.

Curriculum & Resources: Journey Into Dyslexia

posted Nov 23, 2011

You’ve probably taught a student with dyslexia—and were perplexed on how to help. This film shows successful adults who see their dyslexia as a unique gift.

Visual Learning: We Are the 99%

posted Nov 23, 2011

With this YES! lesson plan, try to truly understand an image, its message, and why it's interesting (or not). In this case, it's all about animals as food.

Words That Inspire: The Laughing Thrush

posted Oct 25, 2011

Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin believes that it’s natural to love being in the world around us. His poem, "The Laughing Thrush," captures a sense of place with rich details and abundant joy.

Curriculum & Resources: ThinkB4YouSpeak

posted Oct 25, 2011

GLSEN's campaign ThinkB4YouSpeak helps straight teens understand why "that's so gay" and other common slurs may be unintentional but hurtful to their Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) classmates.

Curriculum & Resources: Occupy Wall Street

posted Oct 25, 2011

Resources from YES! Magazine and NY Times Learning Network will familiarize your students with Occupy Wall Street.

YES! Recommends: The Legacy Project

posted Oct 25, 2011

At a time of economic uncertainty—when your students are wondering about their future—the Legacy Project might serve as a compass to help them create their lives, connect to others, and change their world.