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Beyond the Bro Code

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Lesson Plan

Beyond the Bro Code Lesson Plan

Students will be able to define healthy masculinity and identify two ways to challenge harmful stereotypes.

Understanding healthy masculinity helps students develop emotional intelligence, challenge societal pressures, and build more authentic relationships, leading to greater well-being.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through brainstorming, direct instruction, media analysis, discussion, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Opener: Brainstorming Stereotypes

10 minutes

  • Display Slide 1: “How are boys 'supposed' to be?”
    - Ask students to silently brainstorm for 1 minute and jot down words or phrases that describe common stereotypes about 'how boys should be' or 'what it means to be a man' in our society. Encourage them to think about what they see in movies, TV, video games, or hear from others.
    - Facilitate a brief class share-out. Write student responses on the board or chart paper. (5 minutes)
    - Transition to Slide 2 to introduce the lesson objective. (1 minute)

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Defining Emotional Intelligence and Healthy Masculinity

15 minutes

  • Display Slide 3: Emotional Intelligence.
    - Explain emotional intelligence (EQ) using the script. Discuss its components: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Provide examples of how EQ is demonstrated.
    - Display Slide 4: Healthy Masculinity.
    - Define healthy masculinity, emphasizing qualities like emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, responsibility, and authenticity. Contrast it with harmful stereotypes brainstormed earlier. Use the script for guidance.
    - Facilitate a short Q&A to check for understanding. (5 minutes)

Step 3

Activity: Analyzing Media Portrayals

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Media Masculinity Worksheet.
    - Display Slide 5: Media Masculinity.
    - Explain the activity: Students will analyze various media examples (movies, shows, advertisements – either provided by you or quickly brainstormed by students) and identify how men/boys are portrayed. Are these portrayals examples of healthy masculinity or harmful stereotypes?
    - Students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet. Circulate to offer support. (7 minutes)

Step 4

Group Discussion: Challenging Stereotypes

7 minutes

  • Display Slide 6: Challenging Stereotypes.
    - Bring the class back together for a brief discussion.
    - Pose questions: "Based on our discussion and your worksheet, what are some specific ways we can challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity in our daily lives?" and "How can we encourage healthy masculinity in ourselves and others?"
    - Encourage students to share their insights and listen respectfully to different perspectives. (5 minutes)

Step 5

Wrap-up: Personal Reflection

3 minutes

  • Display Slide 7: Defining Strength.
    - Ask students to quietly reflect for 1-2 minutes on their personal definition of strength, considering what they've learned about healthy masculinity. They can jot down a few words or a sentence.
    - Conclude by reiterating the importance of authenticity and emotional strength.
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Slide Deck

Beyond the Bro Code

What Does it Mean to Be a Modern Man?

How are boys 'supposed' to be?
(Brainstorming Time!)

Welcome students and introduce the lesson topic. Ask students to brainstorm common stereotypes about masculinity they see in media or hear in daily life. Encourage a safe space for sharing. This directly supports the 'Opener' in the lesson plan.

Our Goal Today

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

* Define healthy masculinity.
* Identify two ways to challenge harmful stereotypes.

Clearly state the learning objective for the lesson. This helps students understand what they will achieve by the end of the session. This transitions from the brainstorming to the main content, aligning with the lesson plan's objective statement.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

  • What is it? Understanding and managing your own emotions, and recognizing the emotions of others.
    * Why does it matter?
    * Better communication
    * Stronger relationships
    * Solving problems effectively
    * Making good decisions
    * Key Skills:
    * Self-awareness: Knowing your feelings.
    * Self-regulation: Managing your reactions.
    * Empathy: Understanding others' feelings.
    * Social Skills: Interacting well with others.

Introduce the concept of Emotional Intelligence. Explain its importance and components (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills) using relatable examples. This supports the 'Direct Instruction' phase.

Healthy Masculinity

It's about being your authentic self while embracing positive qualities:

* Emotional Intelligence: Expressing and understanding emotions.
* Empathy: Caring about others' feelings.
* Respect: For yourself and others.
* Responsibility: Taking ownership of your actions.
* Authenticity: Being true to who you are, not who society expects you to be.
* Courage: Standing up for what's right and showing vulnerability.

Define healthy masculinity, contrasting it with the stereotypes brainstormed earlier. Emphasize positive traits and values. This continues the 'Direct Instruction' phase.

Media Masculinity: What Do You See?

How do movies, TV shows, and ads portray men and boys?

Let's analyze some examples. (Or think of your own!)

* Are these portrayals examples of healthy masculinity?
* Or do they reinforce harmful stereotypes?

Complete your Media Masculinity Worksheet now!

Introduce the 'Media Masculinity Worksheet'. Instruct students to analyze media portrayals and consider if they represent healthy masculinity or harmful stereotypes. This supports the 'Activity' phase.

Challenging Stereotypes

How can we challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity?

* In our daily lives?
* In ourselves and others?

Let's discuss ways to be allies and advocates for a more inclusive definition of strength.

Facilitate a group discussion about challenging stereotypes. Encourage students to share insights from their worksheet and brainstorm actionable ways to promote healthy masculinity. This aligns with the 'Group Discussion' phase.

Defining YOUR Strength

Take a moment to reflect:

What does strength mean to YOU now, considering what we've discussed about healthy masculinity?

* Think about qualities beyond physical power.
* Consider emotional courage, empathy, and authenticity.

Conclude the lesson with a personal reflection prompt, allowing students to internalize the concepts. This aligns with the 'Wrap-up' phase.

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Worksheet

Media Masculinity Worksheet: What Do You See?

Instructions: Think about movies, TV shows, video games, advertisements, or even social media. Identify at least two different media examples that portray men or boys. For each example, analyze the portrayal and answer the questions below.

---

## Example 1: (Title of Movie/Show/Ad/etc.)

1. Describe the portrayal of masculinity in this example. What characteristics, behaviors, or emotions does the male character(s) typically show?






2. Does this portrayal align with healthy masculinity? Why or why not? (Consider emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, responsibility, authenticity.)






3. Does this portrayal reinforce harmful stereotypes? If so, what stereotypes? (Think about ideas like "boys don't cry," "men must be tough," "men shouldn't show vulnerability.")






---

## Example 2: (Title of Movie/Show/Ad/etc.)

1. Describe the portrayal of masculinity in this example. What characteristics, behaviors, or emotions does the male character(s) typically show?






2. Does this portrayal align with healthy masculinity? Why or why not? (Consider emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, responsibility, authenticity.)






3. Does this portrayal reinforce harmful stereotypes? If so, what stereotypes? (Think about ideas like "boys don't cry," "men must be tough," "men shouldn't show vulnerability.")






---

## Reflection Question:

* Based on your analysis, how can media do a better job of portraying healthy masculinity?











lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Beyond the Bro Code Lesson Plan

Students will be able to define healthy masculinity and identify two ways to challenge harmful stereotypes.

Understanding healthy masculinity helps students develop emotional intelligence, challenge societal pressures, and build more authentic relationships, leading to greater well-being.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through brainstorming, direct instruction, media analysis, discussion, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Opener: Brainstorming Stereotypes

10 minutes

  • Display Slide 1:

Step 2

Opener: Brainstorming Stereotypes

10 minutes

  • Display Slide 1: “How are boys 'supposed' to be?”
    - Ask students to silently brainstorm for 1 minute and jot down words or phrases that describe common stereotypes about 'how boys should be' or 'what it means to be a man' in our society. Encourage them to think about what they see in movies, TV, video games, or hear from others.
    - Facilitate a brief class share-out. Write student responses on the board or chart paper. (5 minutes)
    - Transition to Slide 2 to introduce the lesson objective. (1 minute)

Step 3

Direct Instruction: Defining Emotional Intelligence and Healthy Masculinity

15 minutes

  • Display Slide 3: Emotional Intelligence.
    - Explain emotional intelligence (EQ) using the script. Discuss its components: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Provide examples of how EQ is demonstrated.
    - Display Slide 4: Healthy Masculinity.
    - Define healthy masculinity, emphasizing qualities like emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, responsibility, and authenticity. Contrast it with harmful stereotypes brainstormed earlier. Use the script for guidance.
    - Facilitate a short Q&A to check for understanding. (5 minutes)

Step 4

Activity: Analyzing Media Portrayals

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Media Masculinity Worksheet.
    - Display Slide 5: Media Masculinity.
    - Explain the activity: Students will analyze various media examples (movies, shows, advertisements – either provided by you or quickly brainstormed by students) and identify how men/boys are portrayed. Are these portrayals examples of healthy masculinity or harmful stereotypes?
    - Students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet. Circulate to offer support. (7 minutes)

Step 5

Group Discussion: Challenging Stereotypes

7 minutes

  • Display Slide 6: Challenging Stereotypes.
    - Bring the class back together for a brief discussion.
    - Pose questions:

Step 6

Group Discussion: Challenging Stereotypes

7 minutes

  • Display Slide 6: Challenging Stereotypes.
    - Bring the class back together for a brief discussion.
    - Pose questions:

Step 7

Group Discussion: Challenging Stereotypes

7 minutes

  • Display Slide 6: Challenging Stereotypes.
    - Bring the class back together for a brief discussion.
    - Pose questions: "Based on our discussion and your worksheet, what are some specific ways we can challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity in our daily lives?" and "How can we encourage healthy masculinity in ourselves and others?"
    - Encourage students to share their insights and listen respectfully to different perspectives. (5 minutes)

Step 8

Wrap-up: Personal Reflection

3 minutes

  • Display Slide 7: Defining Strength.
    - Ask students to quietly reflect for 1-2 minutes on their personal definition of strength, considering what they've learned about healthy masculinity. They can jot down a few words or a sentence.
    - Conclude by reiterating the importance of authenticity and emotional strength.
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