About this resource
Students are challenged to spend their entire day "speaking" with emojis. Using a device instead of their own voice, students are asked to turn their thoughts, requests, and needs into a series of emojis to communicate. This activity allows students to use what they know to communicate. It opens students up to understand and empathize with other students who may be English language learners, those who need assistive communication devices, or those who have hearing or visual impairments. At the end of the day students are asked to create a reflection piece about how it felt to "speak" a different language. Reflection should be written in emoji and translated for the reader.
This challenge could be incorporated into social studies lessons when teaching about ancient languages and hieroglyphics. Science connections include coding and learning to code.
Modifications for all Learners: Screen readers, access to technology
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Math/Technology/Art
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): II. INCLUDE Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the learning community. B. Create - Learners adjust their awareness of the global learning community by: 3. Representing diverse perspectives during learning activities.
- INQUIRE Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. A. Think - Learners display curiosity and initiative by: 2. Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning. B. Create - Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes: 3. Generating products that illustrate learning.
Related STEM Area: Literacy
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard: Crosscutting concept - Influence of science, engineering, and technology on society and the natural world: New technologies can have deep impacts on society and the environment, including some that were not anticipated. Analysis of costs and benefits is a critical aspect of decisions about technology.
What students will do
- I will use my background knowledge to communicate in a different "language".
- I will express myself without words.
- I will understand how others feel and learn.
- I will think creatively to convey my needs.
I can use my background knowledge to communicate in a different "language".
I can express myself without words.
I can understand how others feel and learn.
I can think creatively to convey my needs.
Resources Needed
Device with emoji language, Internet access.
How learning is assessed
- I used my background knowledge to communicate in a different "language".
- I expressed myself without words.
- I understood how others feel and learn.
- I thought creatively to convey my needs.