Balanced Learning Resources
Lesson Plans

Students will learn about Lithuania during WWII and how Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat, saved thousands of Jewish refugees by issuing transit visas—defying the strict orders of his own government. After reviewing a brief historical timeline and the “10 Upstander Steps,” students watch a video about Sugihara’s life to identify how he acted with courage and moral responsibility. In Part 2 of the lesson, students connect this historical example to their own lives by viewin

In this lesson students watch the video The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss, to learn what prejudice is and how to respond to unkind behavior with empathy and courage. After discussing key themes from the video, students learn the 10 Upstander Steps and work in small groups to create and perform their own role-plays showing how an upstander can help in a hurtful situation. Students then create posters illustrating each step, forming an “Upstander Gallery” in the classroom. The lesson

In this Super Monsters episode, the young monsters make unkind, prejudiced jokes about ogres without realizing how hurtful their words can be. When their beloved friend Luigi reveals he is actually an ogre, they learn an important lesson about respecting others and challenging assumptions. This lesson extends the movie by teaching students 10 concrete upstander steps they can use whenever they witness prejudice (or any unkind behavior), and students will practice these steps

In this lesson, students watch the What Would You Do? segment “Antisemitism and Jewish Discrimination: What Would You Do?” which places unsuspecting bystanders in situations where Jewish people experience discrimination in a public setting. The video captures real reactions — prompting students to consider how prejudice can appear in everyday life and what moral courage looks like. As an extension to the video, students learn and role-play 10 Upstander Steps and become Upstan

Students watch a hidden-camera scenario where a family with same-sex parents is refused restaurant service. Students identify what’s unfair, analyze how bystanders and upstanders respond, and practice (via role play) 10 Upstander Steps that are kind, safe, truthful, and inclusive. As students learn upstander skills, they discover how to make public spaces safer and more respectful for everyone.

Students analyze a hidden-camera scenario from What Would You Do? in which a Muslim couple is denied restaurant service because of their appearance. Using 10 Upstander Steps, students evaluate how bystanders respond and identify which reactions show courage, kindness, and inclusion. Students then discuss and role-play what they themselves can say or do to stand up for others when prejudice or unkind behavior occurs.

Students explore the idea of fairness by watching short, familiar movie clips that show fair and unfair choices. Using a kid-friendly Justice Checklist, they learn how kindness, safety, and inclusion guide fair actions that help everyone feel valued and respected.

In this lesson, students use a kid-friendly Justice Checklist to spot unfair moments, find fair fixes, and practice kindness, safety, and inclusion through role-play.