Stereotyping Lesson Plan Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain Freeport Middle School betsy_sky-mcilvain@coconetme.org http://www.leasttern.com/Wabanaki
The Stereotypes: That is what you need to teach. Are old and still around Are already ingrained in students by grade 6 Are aggravated by omission from texts Are easy to recognize and explain, but difficult to get rid of Are harmful and hurtful That is what you need to teach.
How do I teach this? The Big Picture - the grabber All-Cultures Chart - the “it’s all about me” Stereotype Concept Definition - the goal Classification - the frame Examples, examples, examples Crossing the comfort zone Learn about NOW in Maine Do something about it
The Big Picture Understanding “Indian” Stereotypes Slide show Invisible “Hit them over the head with it.” Connect feelings to fact. Confront the consequences.
All-Cultures Chart
Key Principles Traditional knowledge continues to exist and have value Self-definition of cultures should be encouraged and respected Cultural distinctiveness should be accepted and celebrated Native cultures are not static or frozen in the past, but have always been dynamic and selectively adoptive
Concept Definition 1 3 2 4 Alternate activity: What is “Indian”?
Classification Frame 4 categories Specific details for students to “tag” and remember Practice, practice, practice
Examples, examples, examples Textbooks Primary sources - letters, speeches, transcripts, cartoons - historical, current Visual media - TV, film - old and new Music, lyrics, rhymes Books - novels, children’s books, handbooks Artifacts of culture - patterns, toys, kitsch, place names, logos
Cross the Comfort Zone Confront the consequences. Three-folds Quickdraw Read aloud - Agent’s Report Response journals Body voting Debates The Four Cards/Slips Confront the consequences.
Learn About NOW News Land Claims Settlement Web sites Interviews Video from MCSS conference Hands-on stereotypes
Do Something About It Letters Campaigns Keypals Telecommunications Digital discussions More…