Teaching Coming of Age: Fostering Empathy and Critical Thinking in a Complex World

Adolescence is a time when young people are crafting stories about who they are, how they understand the world, and how they fit into society. During this critical time of growth and development, Facing History & Ourselves’ approach to teaching Coming of Age Literature has the power to inform and transform the way adolescents understand and value the complexity of identity in themselves and others. In this interactive session educators will explore resources, teaching strategies, and learning experiences applicable to specific grade bands (grades 7-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12). Participants will leave with tools and classroom-tested resources to build a Coming of Age unit that fosters critical thinking skills, empathy and students’ belief that they can make a difference in the world.