From the classroom of Cindy Duran (SDAWP 2021)
The short animated video, Stereotypes for Kids: What are Stereotypes? explains that our brains are wired to categorize things. However, when we categorize people, we make assumptions based on superficial traits, overlooking the unique qualities of individuals. By explicitly teaching young people to recognize and challenge stereotypes, they learn to see people for who they truly are rather than as representatives of a group.
Pair the video with “Just Because” poetry writing, which empowers students to challenge the stereotypes they encounter. Read the powerful Just Because poetry written by International Rescue Committee youth.
How do you introduce your students to the concept of stereotypes? How do teach them to resist and counter stereotyping?
View the What Are Stereotypes? lesson plan reel HERE.
Resources
- Stereotypes for Kids: What are Stereotypes? — video by Muse Wellbeing
- Appreciating Differences and Acknowledging Sterotypes: Lemons and Apples — lesson plan from Welcoming Schools
- Outside the Box — Series of videos from PBS Student Reporting Labs
- Stereotypes and “Single Stories” — Lesson plan from Facing History
- How to Break Down Stereotypes — Video series and lesson plans from PBS Newshour Classroom
- Defying Gender Stereotypes — Lesson plan from PBS Newshour Classroom
- Recognizing Bias: Lesson Plans on Stereotypes from IAMLA
- That’s a (Gender) Stereotype! — Lesson plan from GLSEN
Related Books
- Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle
- Not Every Princess by Jeffrey Bone, Lisa Bone, and Valeria Docampo
- Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel
- Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban
- Not Your All-American Girl by Wendy Wan-Long Shang and Madelyn Rosenberg
- Girls Can!: Smash Stereotypes, Defy Expectations, and Make History! by Marissa Sebastian and Tora Pruden
SDAWP Voices 