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Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis, Author and Activist

Finding Wisdom in Pain (Season One)

*An 826 Digital Lesson Partner

Overview

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"I want to raise a people who know how to love themselves." - Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis, The Thread

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis recalls how difficult childhood experiences shaped her commitment to activism. She shares her belief in the interconnectedness of humanity, advocates for conscious voting and learning from diverse perspectives, emphasizes the importance of self-love as a foundation for“fierce-love,” and acknowledges the power of individuals to make a positive impact to change the world.

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Lesson Objectives

Social Studies

*Explore the intersection of faith, service, and activism

*Explore the tenet: Speak truth to power

*For Psychology courses: Explore human and character development, trauma, healing

*for Religion courses: Explore the power of prayer as a vehicle to address injustice

English Language Arts

*Inspire students to tell their own coming-of-age stories

*Explore identity and voice

*Examine perspective taking from the point of view of one author and activist

*Explore the idea of purposeful work and a meaningful life

*Use Rev. Dr. Lewis' episode as evidence to write a rhetorical argument, commentary, or synthesis essay

Social Emotional Learning: By offering engaging personal narratives, students can discuss and strengthen the five SEL competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Media Literacy: Students will practice media literacy skills by analyzing information, points of view, and claims made in The Thread and be able to translate these strategies with all forms of media to make more informed decisions.

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis Lesson | Teaching The Thread

First Take >

The "First Take" activity is a warm-up writing or conversation exercise created uniquely for The Thread to strengthen media literacy skills. Like an opening song in a musical, the first stanza of a poem, or even the first impression one person makes on another, the "First Take" asks students to reflect and share their initial thoughts and feelings about the episode’s opening and why the filmmaker and editor made these choicess.

Download Rev. Dr. Lewis's lesson to access the complete "First Take" activity.

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis Lesson | Teaching The Thread

The Thread Up Close >

After watching the interview, students will debrief and discuss the life story and engage in a close read and analysis of her interview using the "Finding Wisdom in Pain" episode and transcript.

In this lesson, students will dive deeper into understanding human development through the life story of Dr. Lewis.

Download the lesson to access "The Thread Up Close" activity.

Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis Lesson | Teaching The Thread

"Finding Wisdom in Pain" >

In this lesson students will explore the title of this lesson, explore the idea of fierce love, and the role of faith and purpose in working towards a more just world.

Download the lesson to access the complete "Finding Wisdom in Pain" activity.

Resources

See lesson for resources

826 Digital Lesson: "Excavate Your Story"

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