Christian connections and suggestions are listed below. If teachers from other faith backgrounds have connections that they make to their doctrines or documents, I would love to be able to include those on this site! I can be contacted at socialjusticeforlittlelearners@gmail.com.
Teaching for Transformation
Teaching for Transformation is a guiding framework for how schools and teachers can journey through curriculum and learning activities with Christian principles at the focus. These mini-units/lessons fit into three primary categories or principles:
Justice Seeking: Learners pursue restorative transformation, seeking to bring wholeness where there is brokenness.
Servant Working: Learners follow the example of Christ’s selfless love through exercising kindness, empathy, and compassion.
Community Building: Learners build communities of grace and purpose, making space for the belonging of others.
Possible Scripture Connections for Units and Lessons (from the International Children’s Bible)
Introductory Lessons: Micah 6:8
8 The Lord has told you what is good.
He has told you what he wants from you:
Do what is right to other people.
Love being kind to others.
And live humbly, trusting your God.
Inclusive and Kind Community: Matthew 5: 14-16
14 “You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put the light on a lampstand. Then the light shines for all the people in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do. Live so that they will praise your Father in heaven.”
Psalm 133:1
“It is good and pleasant
when God’s people live together in peace!”
God’s Plan for Unique You: Ephesians 2:10
10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works. God had planned in advance those good works for us. He had planned for us to live our lives doing them.
Personal Identity: Psalm 139:14
14 I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.
What you have done is wonderful.
I know this very well.
Racial Identity and Racism: Revelation 7:9
9 Then I looked, and there was a great number of people. There were so many people that no one could count them. They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language of the earth. They were all standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
Romans 12:21
21 Do not let evil defeat you. Defeat evil by doing good.
Family Diversity: Ephesians 4: 1-3
God chose you to be his people. I tell you now to live the way God’s people should live. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. 3 You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue together in this way. Let peace hold you together.
Gender Stereotypes and Expectations: Genesis 1:27
27 So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them.
Truth and Reconciliation: Romans 12:15
“Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad.”
Refugees and Immigration: Matthew 25: 35-40
35 I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. 36 I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’
40 “Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth. Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’
Diverse Abilities: Psalm 139:14
14 I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way.
What you have done is wonderful.
I know this very well.
Galatians 6:2
Psalm 133:1
“It is good and pleasant
when God’s people live together in peace!”
Indigenous Issues: Romans 12:21
21 Do not let evil defeat you. Defeat evil by doing good.
Matthew 7:12
12 “Do for other people the same things you want them to do for you.”
Social Justice for Little Learners 