Grade 5 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 1, Lesson 3

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
America Will Be

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 1, Lesson 3: A Country of Many Cultures (pp. 17-21)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Diversity A pluralistic culture both benefits and challenges America.

Have students imagine that a new student from another country has joined your class. Discuss with students the things that the new student might be able to share with the class, such as a new language and customs, new foods, and new games. Then discuss the challenges the new student will face, such as learning a new language, making new friends, and understanding the rules of the school and community.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Have students write a paragraph about how different cultures contribute to our society. Encourage them to include customs, beliefs, words, foods, and celebrations.
Have students create posters that show aspects of their own cultures. Students can draw pictures or use photographs from old magazines to decorate their posters.

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