The Sikh Next Door
The video highlights one American cultural story among many – that of Sikh Americans. There are approximately 500,000 Sikhs living in the United States, many of whom are born and raised here. While their colorful turbans make them stand out in a crowd, most Americans know little about Sikhs. Currently, schools and libraries are ill-equipped to address this issue, as they lack high quality, professionally produced materials on Sikh American identity and Punjabi culture.
The Sikh Next Door is a fun and engaging educational project that introduces 6th through 12th graders to Sikhs, thus dispelling the myths behind the turban and beard. Curriculum tools in the project include a 15-minute video, comprehensive lesson plans, and this website with additional resources.
Curriculum exercises require minimal planning and background knowledge for teachers and can be easily adapted to a teacher's specific classroom needs. Middle school teachers can use the exercises to explore living in a multicultural society, while teaching geography and language arts. High school teachers can also use the video to explore world religions and culture, while addressing behavioral studies and civics. The Sikh Next Door curriculum was designed by a team of educators and is aligned with national curriculum standards.
We invite you join us on a journey celebrating America's diversity through The Sikh Next Door.
