In the Classroom

Amy T. Andersen, 2018 NJ Teacher of the Year and National Finalist

"Every year, I begin my American Sign Language class with Diversity Beans.  I want my students to understand that in our class we will be learning about a culture of people as much as we are learning about the components of a language.  It is important to me that students understand the Deaf Community is a marginalized group in our society where stereotypes and assumptions impact their daily lives. Diversity Beans are a perfect way to explore this with students! We know, as teachers, that leading students to a discovery will stay with them much longer than simply telling them information. 

Diversity Beans allow you to do this because the flavors don't always match the colors.  You can't assume that a red jelly bean will always taste like cherry and you can't tell what a jelly bean will be like on the inside by only looking at it from the outside. That's exactly what we do as students look at their beans, hypothesize the flavors, record their data and draw conclusions. All of that leads to great discussions, laughter and connections right from the very first day.  I've been using beans for close to 10 years and without fail, my students love this activity every year!" 

Students React

I really liked the Diversity Beans because they sort of taught me that what you think something is really isn't necessarily what it is. If you judge a person by their appearance they aren't necessarily going to be like you think they are.

Middle School Student

Diversity Beans serve as a mind-opener. You can't judge a bean, or a human being, by its color.

High School Student

I think the main idea of the jelly bean activity was to not judge people before you try them. If you meet someone and think they are going to be one way because of their appearance, it might be completely wrong because you don't know what they're like on the inside.

Middle School Student

I really liked it. I was not expecting it at all. It kinda relates to don't judge a book by its cover.

Middle School Student

You shouldn't judge something by the way it looks because you never know, it could be really good.

Middle School Student

They remind you not to judge a person by what you see on the outside because you really have to get to know them. It teaches you about tolerance and respect for things that are different.

High School Student