Code Switching Lesson Plan Discussion Cards Self Reflection RESEARCH BASED

Code Switching

A Lesson in Understanding, Acceptance, and Respect

Dear Teacher and Counselor Friends,

Code switching, or the act of using different languages or language variations in different situations to convey the same message, is often misunderstood.

Many students, minority and bilingual students in particular, find it necessary to code switch in order to successfully navigate two “worlds”, if you will. The idea of changing ones diction, dialect, and use of the English language is not to be misunderstood with miseducation. It is a survival tool of sorts that helps children, adolescents, and even adults appropriately and comfortably manage various social, educational, and professional situations.

This lesson plan was created out of necessity for colleagues , friends., and students. It can be taught in 1-3 parts .

If teaching in 2 days, stop after letter B of the whole group discussion on day 1. Then complete the rest of the lesson on day 2.

If teaching in 3 days, use the following guide

Day 1- Stop after letter A of the whole group discussion.

Day 2-Stop after letter C of the whole group discussion.

Day 3-Complete the rest of the lesson.

*This lesson is also an excellent background knowledge builder for reading the book The Hate You Give. or even for watching the movie. If watching the movie, I recommend watching in 3 parts, and following the 3 day teaching guide, with instruction occurring immediately prior to viewing.