We Too are Human Being/Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: "We Too are Human Beings" – by Bama

General Information

• Subject: English
• Lesson: We Too are Human Beings
• Board: CBSE
• Time Duration: 40–45 minutes
• Author: Bama Faustina Soosairaj

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General Objectives

• To enhance students' critical understanding of social injustice and discrimination
• To encourage empathy, equality, and respect for all communities
• To improve reading, comprehension, and interpretative skills
• To build vocabulary and expression through meaningful context

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 Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the impact of caste discrimination in rural India
• Recognize the importance of education as a tool for social upliftment
• Interpret the narrative style and tone used by the author
• Identify key characters and analyze their behavior and motivations
• Make connections with similar social issues in contemporary India

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 Teaching Methodologies                             

Method	Application
Narrative and Discussion Method	Read aloud and discuss emotional and social layers of the story
Brainstorming & Think-Pair-Share	Before reading, ask: What does it mean to be treated unfairly?
Venn Diagram Technique	Compare experiences of the narrator and her brother
Role Play / Skit	Reenact a scene to explore caste dynamics and reactions
Reflective Writing	Write a diary entry from Bama’s perspective
Vocabulary Building	Extract powerful words (e.g., humiliation, resistance, dignity)

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 Teaching Aids

• Textbook (NCERT)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper (for Venn diagram)
• Digital projector (if available)
• Handouts with questions and vocabulary

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 Venn Diagram – Comparing Narrator & Her Brother

Aspect	Bama (Sister)	Brother	Common
Response to caste system	Emotionally disturbed, confused	Calm, strategic	Victims of caste discrimination
Age & Understanding	Young, naïve	Older, experienced	Aware of injustice
Action Taken	Fought through education later	Advised her to study hard	Wanted change
Role	Learner	Guide	Supportive family

 

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Procedure

1. Introduction (5 min)

• Begin with a quick question: “Have you ever been treated unfairly? How did you feel?”
• Introduce the author Bama and her background
• Explain the theme of casteism in Indian society

2. Reading and Explanation (15 min)

• Read paragraph-wise
• Explain vocabulary and discuss meanings
• Encourage students to annotate key moments

3. Class Discussion (10 min)

• Why was Bama shocked by what she saw?
• How does her brother respond to injustice?
• What does the story teach us about self-worth and change?

4. Activities (10 min)

• Venn diagram group activity
• Role play one critical scene (optional)
• Short reflective writing: "If I were Bama…"

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 Learning Outcomes / Takeaways

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the emotional and social impact of casteism
• Reflect on self-respect, identity, and resistance
• Value education as a tool for empowerment
• Develop empathy for marginalized communities

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 Assessment

• Oral questioning during reading
• Written reflection (formative assessment)
• Venn diagram comparison
• Vocabulary quiz (optional)

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Homework

• Write a diary entry as Bama describing the moment she saw the incident with the banana leaf.
• Research and bring one example from the newspaper of modern-day caste-based discrimination.

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 Similar Reads / Texts

Title	Author / Source	Theme
NCERT Chapter: Nelson Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom	Nelson Mandela	Fight against  apartheid

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Teacher’s Reflection

• Did students emotionally connect with the story?
• Were students able to relate casteism to current events?
• Which activity worked best for engagement?
• Modify teaching strategy for students struggling with complex themes.