Classroom MaterialsIn a global society, it is essential for students to have awareness, understanding, and appreciation for other cultures. The Kaur Foundation supports educators who wish to integrate learning about Sikhism in their classes. Explore our materials:
Cultural Safari: The NCSS Endorsed 17-minute Cultural Safari video covers Sikh culture and heritage and helps close the cultural awareness gap that exists between the educators, administrators, and peers of Sikh American students. Kaur Foundation Library: Discover books for students of all ages to learn more about Sikhism.
More Lesson and Unit Plans (below):
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Why should I include Sikhism in my curriculum?
Sikhs are the fifth largest religious group in the world. There are more than 25 million Sikhs around the world and approximately 700,000 in the United States. However, Sikhism is widely misunderstood, and Sikh American have faced discrimination, bullying, and even hate crimes as a result of this lack of understanding. The United States is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse nations in the world. As our communities grow ever more diverse, it is critical to our democracy that we appreciate and understand the different backgrounds of our neighbors, colleagues, students, and friends. Learning and teaching about diversity within our communities promotes global citizenship and provides opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills crucial to live and work in a religiously diverse, democratic society. Including Sikhism in the curriculum recognizes the unique experiences of Sikh-Americans and fosters a greater appreciation for cultural and religious diversity. |
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Identity Explorer
This activity gets students and teachers thinking about issues related to identity and diverse communities.
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Courageous Conversations
This classroom activity uses stories from the media highlighting the experiences of Sikhs in the United States. Students individually respond to a series of media accounts about Sikhs in America during a gallery walk activity. Students then engage in small group and whole class discussions about reactions, questions, and connections to other knowledge about Sikh Americans, religion in America, discrimination, and other related topics.
This classroom activity uses stories from the media highlighting the experiences of Sikhs in the United States. Students individually respond to a series of media accounts about Sikhs in America during a gallery walk activity. Students then engage in small group and whole class discussions about reactions, questions, and connections to other knowledge about Sikh Americans, religion in America, discrimination, and other related topics.
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Primary Sources on Bhagat Singh Thind vs. United States (1923)
The case of Bhagat Singh Thind provides rich opportunities to explore immigration and citizenship laws of the early 20th century, racial and religious discrimination, and the challenges faced by Sikh-Americans as they built communities and lives in the United States. |
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Cultural Safari Teacher Guide
- Social Studies and English Classroom curricula complimenting video.
- Has activities and exercises for teachers to use in their classroom to engage students and make learning enjoyable.
- Creates cultural sensitivity and an understanding of Sikh Americans.
- Increases reading, writing, listening, and critical thinking skills.
- Provides opportunities to develop cultural links
Waris Ahluwalia
Sikh boy bullied and called a terrorist
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Gurdit Singh
U.S. Army Capt. Simratpal Singh
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Darsh Singh
Sikh Temple vandalized in Buena Park, CA
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