In this article, the author describes one way to teach about religion in elementary school social studies using the C3 Framework IDM model. The compelling question that guides the lesson focuses specifically on whether Judaism is a race, religion, or ethnicity. Each compelling and supporting question in the lesson is connected to one or more picture books that complicate student understandings of what it means to be Jewish. Students use these texts to develop answers to the questions. Throughout the lesson, students are asked to engage in formative performance tasks, but teachers are also…

This session helps teachers understand some of the common misconceptions when teaching about Hinduism. It goes over Hinduism’s core philosophies, as well as important points to keep in mind when discussing the religion and social practices in India. Teachers will be equipped with new teaching strategies, as well as updated, accurate, and culturally competent resources for their classrooms. What if everything you knew about Hinduism was wrong? What lessons have been learned from controversies around the country in World Religions Classes, like field trips, guest speakers, or trying on burkas…

Educators are teaching about religion in an increasingly volatile atmosphere. Islamophobia is on the rise as are incidents of anti-Semitism. Many Americans do not even know it’s legal to teach about religion. In recent years, uproars over world religion lessons, particularly on Islam, have caught teachers and school systems by surprise. In many cases, teachers had used the same activity for a decade, including letting students try on burkas and hijab. Should teachers avoid dress-up exercises, field trips and guest speakers? Or can they put in safeguards to avoid controversy? In this webinar,…