Balanced Learning Resources
Lesson Plans

Hidden Letters is a haunting and lyrical documentary that uncovers the secret language of Nüshu—a script invented and passed down in whispers among generations of Chinese women, who, confined by patriarchal norms and silenced by tradition, found solace in each other through the written word. In a world where women were forbidden to learn or express themselves freely, Nüshu became more than a language—it was a lifeline.

This mini documentary "LGBTQ+ in Today's China" explores the growing visibility and representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Chinese society, focusing on shifting public attitudes, media portrayal, and inclusive marketing campaigns. It highlights the role of social media in community-building despite ongoing censorship and traditional cultural challenges.

In many parts of the Middle East, LGBTQIA+ individuals face severe discrimination, with same-sex relationships criminalized in some countries and punishable by imprisonment or even death, forcing many to hide their identities. Despite these dangers, activists and allies continue to push for legal reforms and safe spaces.

In this lesson, students will watch the informative and engaging PBS mini-biography Louis Brandeis: The First Jewish Supreme Court Justice and reflect on the life and legacy of Justice Louis Brandeis (1856–1941), a trailblazing Jewish American. Students will explore his contributions to civil liberties, workers' rights, and the foundational right to privacy.

In this lesson, students will watch the informative and endearing documentary RBG (2018) and reflect on the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020), a Jewish American. Students will explore her contributions to gender equality and civil rights and discuss how her legacy continues to influence the American legal system and our society today. Through this lesson, students will analyze the role of the judiciary in shaping laws and societal change

Haym Solomon was a Jewish immigrant, financier, and unsung hero of the American Revolution who played a crucial role in securing funds for the war effort. Born in Poland in 1740, he immigrated to America in 1772 and became a successful merchant and banker.

This moving interview on American Thought Leaders introduces two modern day heroes - Simon Deng and Charles Jacobs - who discuss the ongoing struggle against slavery, human trafficking, and genocide in Africa, and the impact of Islamist extremism. Simon Deng, formerly enslaved, shares his personal story of escape and the horrors of slavery in Sudan. He and Charles Jacobs, who helped free tens of thousands of slaves in Sudan, highlight the international community's lack of res

Loay Al-Shareef is a linguist, educator, and peace activist known for his efforts in promoting Arab-Jewish coexistence and combating misinformation. Raised in Saudi Arabia, he was taught anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives. However, after studying in France and living with a Jewish family, he realized that much of what he had been taught was false. This transformation led him to advocate for truth, fight Jew-hatred, and educate others about historical facts and shared Arab

This lesson focuses on the perspectives and experiences of Mosab Hassan Yousef, a former Hamas member who later became an informant for Israel. Students will learn about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly through Yousef's perspective. The lesson will also address common misconceptions and the political narrative of genocide, particularly the claims surrounding the Gaza conflict.

In this lesson, students will explore the life and contributions of Dorothy Pitman Hughes, a Black feminist, child welfare advocate, and community activist.

"The Story of Artist Frida Kahlo" by Lillian Gray is an educational video exploring the life, challenges, and artistic legacy of Frida Kahlo, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. In a time when most famous artists were men, she broke barriers, fearlessly painting taboo topics like pain, femininity, and personal struggles. The video highlights how her experiences—overcoming illness and a near-fatal accident—shaped her art, allowing her to express her identi

The video "In Her Own Words" is a documentary that explores the life and work of feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Through interviews and archival footage, it provides insight into Steinem's personal experiences, including her pivotal role in the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

The fight for justice has never been fought alone. Asian American activists worked alongside Black, Latinx, and Indigenous leaders to challenge oppression and demand equality. Their contributions remain inspiring and relevant today, offering powerful lessons on solidarity, resilience, and social change. 

Grade Level: 6-12 Duration of video: Under 7 minutes Themes: Multiracial and Multicultural Alliances, Solidarity, Advocacy Image: March...

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were united by a deep commitment to justice and human dignity. Heschel, a Jewish theologian and Holocaust survivor, believed that the fight for Black civil rights was a moral and spiritual imperative. He famously marched alongside Dr. King during the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, later saying, “I felt my legs were praying.”

This is a "60 Minutes" episode that focuses on the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a British humanitarian who famously rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia just before World War II, often referred to as "Nicky's Children." Meet Sir Winton and the people he saved!

Schindler’s List is a powerful film by Steven Spielberg that tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,100 Jewish people during the Holocaust by employing them in his factory. The movie shows the horrors of the Holocaust and the impact one person can make.

An exciting, endearing film about how a Catholic nun, Sister Gabrielle (played by Loretta Swit), and a group of Christian school children in France helped three Jewish children escape the Nazis. Due to antisemitic lies their parents told them, the Christian children are, at first, not very friendly to these unexpected Jewish strangers. In a short time, however, the children develop a strong bond.

This short family film, presented with the Museum of Jewish Heritage, introduces Holocaust history to a new generation. When 10-year-old Elliott asks his 90-year-old great-grandfather, Jack, about the number tattooed on his arm, he sparks an intimate conversation about Jack’s life that spans happy memories of childhood in Poland, the loss of his family, surviving Auschwitz, and finding a new life in America.