OOPA’s World of Words: JUSTICE

How can we achieve JUSTICE?

JUSTICE Teaching Guide 

In this civics lesson, students will visit OOPA’s Wordshop to connect with the word JUSTICE. They will watch a short video that introduces this civic character trait through conversation and movement. Then, students will role play different school scenarios to achieve JUSTICE.

Learning Objectives 

Students will be able to: 

• Identify places or situations where they observed or achieved JUSTICE
• Explain ways to achieve JUSTICE
• Role play different school scenarios to achieve JUSTICE

Materials 

• JUSTICE video
• Chart paper and markers
• Optional: props for role play scenarios
• Optional: journal or shoebox

Accommodations and Modifications 

Prepare the learning space to allow room for movement. Students can stand or sit while connecting to the word JUSTICE in the movement segment.

Before the Video 

What do you know about JUSTICE? Allow students time to reflect and respond to the question or have a “turn and talk.”

During the Video 

Play the JUSTICE video from OOPA’S World of Words. If needed, pause the video after the conversation in the Wordshop segment [3:25] to prepare students for movement.

After the Video 

What does the word JUSTICE make you think about? How does the word JUSTICE make your body move? Allow students to reflect and respond to the question or have a “turn and talk.”

Whole Group Movement 

Write the word “JUSTICE” on chart paper or the board. Create a two-column visual, with the left side titled “I can show JUSTICE by…” and the right side titled “Movement.” Create a class list of 10 ways students can achieve JUSTICE, then brainstorm a movement/gesture to pair with each. Encourage students to be specific and dig deep into their responses — “taking turns with friends” vs “friends” or “listening to others opinions” vs “listening.” Use those responses to generate movement ideas. For example, taking turns with friends/bouncing an imaginary ball toward someone, listening to others opinions/cupping hand around ear while swaying body right to left. Be playful and have fun with the movements! When the list is done, lead students through the movements. Each day, select a different student to review the list and guide the class in a group movement activity.

Going Deeper with the Arts  

Ask the essential question: How can we achieve JUSTICE? Bring students together for a whole-group role play activity. Select a few actors from the group to role play one of the scenarios a few times to show the problem. Then, ask the students watching to weigh the actions of the actors and discuss possible solutions to achieve JUSTICE. Let students act out the scenario again, this time making choices that achieve JUSTICE.

Scenario 1: Students are jumping rope at recess and one student feels left out.
Scenario 2: For a class celebration, half the class wants to watch a movie and the other half wants extended recess.
Scenario 3: On a field trip, two students have injuries to their leg, but there’s only one bandaid in the first aid kit.

Have students reflect on these real life situations. Ask: How does weighing our actions help us achieve JUSTICE?

Extend the Learning 

CIVICS Journal or Mailbox 

Create a class CIVICS journal or mailbox where students, teachers, and staff can document acts of COURAGE, FREEDOM, GRATITUDE, JUSTICE and SERVICE that they witness throughout the school year. Establishing a routine to celebrate and recognize these acts fosters a positive school community, strengthens relationships and enhances well-being.

Say Hi to OOPA

OOPA loves to receive and respond to letters. Use this Write to OOPA Template or send your own letter and drawing to:  OOPA, PO Box 467, Pipersville, PA 18947

Head back to the main page to view the other videos in the series!