Sample Teaching Plan

Have a brief discussion before touring the exhibition (at school, on the bus, or at the exhibition space) to activate students’ thinking and prior knowledge: What do students already know about Japanese American incarceration during World War II? What questions do they have? (The on-site teacher guide includes a brief overview to help orient students with some basic facts before the tour.)
While students tour the exhibition, have them complete the 2-page Student Experience Journal to record what they are thinking and feeling. Students in younger grades may need some support from adults to get started.
Take some time to debrief with students after touring the exhibition: What did they record in their Student Experience Journals? What are their biggest takeaways from the exhibition?

Day 1 Follow the plan above for visiting the exhibition.
Day 2 Complete the following activities:
- Response Activity 1: What's the Story
- Response Activity 2: Taking Action

Day 1 Complete the following activities:
- Classroom Activity 1: Activating Prior Knowledge and Building Context
- Classroom Activity 2: Close Viewing to Introduce the Exhibition
Day 2 (The Day of Your Visit):
- Have students complete the 2-page Student Experience Journal to record what they are thinking and feeling while touring the exhibition. Students in younger grades may need some support from adults to get started.
- Take some time to debrief with students after touring the exhibition: What did they record in their Student Experience Journals? What are their biggest takeaways from the exhibition?
Day 3 Complete the following activities:
- Response Activity 1: What's the Story
- Response Activity 2: Taking Action

Use the activities outlined above before, during, and after your visit to the exhibition.
Consult the full list of educator resources for additional activities you can use with students to deepen their learning.
Consider working with students on "This Is An American" Action Project, a multi-stage, adaptable class project in which students use their voices and creativity to create their own exhibits designed to inspire their larger community towards a vision of American society that is inclusive, just, and humane.