Balanced Learning Resources
Lesson Plans

Grade: K-2. Students learn about Ruby Bridges, a young girl who helped change history during desegregation as the first African American student to attend an all-white school in her community. Ruby showed bravery and kindness when she faced unfair treatment at school.

Grades 7-12. Students will explore the Soviet Jewry Freedom Movement through two powerful videos: U.S. Representative John Lewis Speaking for Soviet Jews (1987) and The Soviet Jewry Freedom Movement (Unpacked). By examining this historical social justice movement, students will gain insight into the broader themes of advocacy, solidarity, and global human rights. Using a set of 10 criteria, students will critically analyze the movement’s structure, impact, and legacy, applyin

Grade 9-12. 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.

Grades 6-12. The Young Lords Grassroots Activism and Social Change - Fighting for Justice, Then and Now

Grades 6-8. 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.