Lesson Plan

Culture Collage Blueprint

Students collaboratively create a classroom mural of personal cultural symbols, articulating their family stories and reflecting on diversity through guided discussion and art-making.

This lesson validates students’ cultural identities, strengthens family engagement, and fosters an inclusive classroom community by honoring diverse backgrounds through art and storytelling.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Hook

5 minutes

Step 2

Explore Cultural Symbols

10 minutes

Step 3

Symbol Selection Worksheet

10 minutes

Step 4

Mural Creation

15 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Share

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Symbols & Stories Overview

Use the lesson’s #D4F1F4 background color. Introduce the concept of cultural symbols and invite students to think about personal symbols from their own homes.

What Is a Cultural Symbol?

Define cultural symbols in your own words. Share everyday examples (e.g., family heirlooms, flags, holiday foods) and connect to students’ lives.

Symbol Examples: Part 1

Show images of Mexican papel picado and a Chinese dragon. Discuss how colors, patterns, and forms communicate celebration, power, or good luck.

Symbol Examples: Part 2

Display a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol and a Native American totem pole. Explain how each tells a story about beliefs or lineage.

Reflection & Discussion

Prompt Think–Pair–Share. Give students sticky notes to jot their own symbols and brief meanings before sharing.

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Worksheet

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Culture Collage

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Emily Frank

Tier 1
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CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

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Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

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