4-C-2+Multisensory+Lesson

by: (Rosie Plimpton)
 * Multisensory Lesson Plan

Title of Lesson: The Indian Caste System

Grade Level: 6

Objective(s): 1. Students will be able to describe the inequities of the Indian Caste System. 2. Students will be able to give examples of how the Indian Caste System violated the basic principals of a democracy.

Time: 3 class periods

Day 1: On this day, students will be introduced to the history of the Indian Caste system and the 4 castes and the untouchables. They will also discover how the caste system violated the basic principals of a democracy by analyzing the basics of democracy and deciding how each was violated by the caste system. This will be done in small groups with a class discussion to follow. On this day, they will also be assigned into the 4 castes and the untouchables for Day 2 (Caste Day) activities.

Day 2: Caste Day: On this day, students will role play their assigned caste, dress in specific caste colors (plain t-shirts of a specified color), sit with their caste, and be subjected to certain scenarios/rules based on their caste. The basic activity will center around a Hindu celebration/feast where food is served. The upper castes will be given name brand chips and sodas, while the lower castes will get store brand items. The untouchables will get the crumbs at the bottom of the bags, no napkins, plates, or cups. In addition, they will not be able to sit and participate with the other castes. Instead, they will be forced to sit in the back of the room, not even making eye contact with the other groups. I will also make sure to treat them as poorly as possible.

Day 3: After Caste Day, students will be assigned to write a 3-4 paragraph reflection of how they felt during the activity for homework. Day 3 of this lesson will focus on discussing the student reflections.

KTAV Activity Description Kinesthetic On Caste Day, students will sit in groups with their caste. Some castes will have the opportunity to move around as they will serve the upper castes. The untouchables will also be forced to clean the room at the end of the activity. Tactual During the Caste Day activities, tactual learners will explore their natural tendency of thinking "what would it feel like if..." by participating in the role playing activity. After Caste Day the reflection assignment will allow tactual learners to explore their feelings about the caste system. Auditory On Day 1, students will be given a graphic organizer (pyramid) that shows the hierarchy of the Indian Caste system. They will also review the basics of what each caste was expected to do and allowed to do (and not do). In addition, they will be given a worksheet that highlights the basic concepts of democracy. This day will also offer a lecture/discussion format, a definite favorite for this sensory style. On Caste Day, I will also play authentic Hindu/Indian music during our "feast". Visual On Day 1, a short power point presentation of mostly images will be shown. Images will focus on what people from each caste wear, work, and live. The various worksheets, graphic organizers, and writing activities will work well for this sensory style learner. On Caste Day, the visual of each caste wearing the same color shirts will also be appealing to visual learners.

ESL/LS: I will make sure to place ESL and LS students in groups where there are strong readers. I will also place them with students who will be able to analyze the basics of democracy and how they were violated by the caste system. In addition, I will only require this group to write a 1-2 paragraph reflection summary.**