Hidden Voices

Lesson Plans & Mini Units

Beginning with the second edition, Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History, the Department of Social Studies & Civics worked with NYCDOE K–12 educators and scholars to develop full lessons aligned to Passport to Social Studies. Recognizing the transformative potential of the Hidden Voices project to enhance instruction across disciplines, the Department of Social Studies and Civics collaborated with the NYCPS Literacy Collaborative to create literacy mini units to complement a school’s existing Core Curriculum literacy program and center the voices and stories across Hidden Voices.

Social Studies Lesson Plans

Hidden Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories in United States History Lesson Plans

Public Facing

NYCDOE Facing

ELA Mini Units

Thirty-nine ELA mini units, three per each grade-level K–12, have been developed to complement a school’s current ELA Core Curriculum program. These mini units uplift the stories of Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Americans with disabilities. The lessons serve as models for inclusive, culturally responsive teaching and learning. Additional mini units connected to the Americans with Disabilities in United States History and Latines In United States History editions of Hidden Voices are forthcoming.

Anchor texts across the mini units represent students who traditionally do not see themselves in curriculum, providing a forum to celebrate diversity and expanding the understanding of all students about this mosaic we call the United States of America. Each mini unit provides suggested Core Curriculum program alignments and integration guidance to support teachers in creating inclusive experiences with diverse perspectives. Lessons also include additional resources for expanding teacher and student knowledge, suggestions for family connections, and extension activities that provide a bridge to further study.

Trade books used in the ELA Mini Units are available in the Citywide Digital Library on Sora at no additional cost to schools. To purchase physical copies, reference Hidden Voices: AAPI ELA Mini Units ShopDOE Item Numbers or Hidden Voices: AWD ELA Mini Unit ShopDOE Item Numbers.