Lesson Plan
Beyond The Label Lesson Plan
Students will identify what stereotypes are, understand how they form, and analyze their impact through discussion and group activities, culminating in strategies to challenge stereotypes and promote empathy.
Understanding stereotypes helps students develop empathy, critical thinking, and social awareness, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment and equipping them to counteract bias in their daily lives.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through interactive discussion, scenario analysis, and group reflection.
Materials
- Stereotype Snapshots Worksheet, - Scenario Cards on Stereotypes, - Sticky Notes, - Whiteboard and Markers, - Projector or Smartboard, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Stereotype Snapshots Worksheet for each student.
- Cut and prepare sets of the Scenario Cards on Stereotypes for small groups.
- Gather sticky notes, markers, and ensure the whiteboard and projector/smartboard are ready.
- Review the scenarios and answer key on the materials to anticipate student responses.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Exploring Stereotypes
5 minutes
- Ask students to write down a common stereotype they've heard on a sticky note.
- Have volunteers post their notes on the board and briefly share.
- Facilitate a quick discussion: What is a stereotype? How might these labels affect people?
- Define 'stereotype' and record the definition on the board.
Step 2
Discussion: Formation and Impact
10 minutes
- Pose guiding questions: How do stereotypes form? Where do we encounter them? What impact can they have?
- Show a brief scenario using Scenario Cards on Stereotypes via projector.
- In pairs, students discuss the scenario’s stereotypical elements and real-world consequences.
- Invite pairs to share insights with the class.
Step 3
Activity: Challenging Stereotypes
10 minutes
- Distribute Scenario Cards on Stereotypes and Stereotype Snapshots Worksheet.
- In small groups, students identify the stereotype in their card and brainstorm alternative, inclusive perspectives.
- Students record their analysis and positive counter-statements on the worksheet.
- Groups present one finding to the class.
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection and Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Ask students to reflect individually: What is one new insight about stereotypes?
- On a sticky note, write the insight and one action they can take to challenge stereotypes.
- Collect all exit tickets as students leave.
- Summarize key takeaways displayed on the board.
Slide Deck
Beyond The Label
Discussing the Impact of Stereotypes
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Explain that today we’ll explore what stereotypes are, how they form, and why they matter. Set expectations for participation and respect.
Lesson Objectives
• Identify what stereotypes are
• Understand how stereotypes form
• Analyze real-world impacts of stereotypes
• Develop strategies to challenge stereotypes and promote empathy
Read each objective aloud and clarify any questions. Emphasize that students will work individually, in pairs, and in groups.
Warm-Up: Exploring Stereotypes
- Write a common stereotype you’ve heard on a sticky note.
- Post your note on the board when prompted.
- Volunteers share their examples.
- Discuss: What is a stereotype? How might labels affect people?
Explain the warm-up instructions step by step. Distribute sticky notes. Circulate to support students and manage time.
What Is a Stereotype?
A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified belief about a group of people.
Key ideas:
• It generalizes from perceived traits.
• It can lead to unfair judgments.
Capture student responses. Then display and read the formal definition. Encourage questions.
How Stereotypes Form & Impact
• How do stereotypes develop?
• Where do you encounter them?
• What impact can they have on individuals and society?
Pose each guiding question and allow 1–2 minutes for pair discussion. Call on pairs to share. Show a sample scenario to anchor the conversation.
Scenario Analysis
Alex assumes Maria can’t play basketball well because she’s a girl.
Discuss in pairs:
- What stereotype is shown?
- What might be the real-world consequence for Maria?
Project this scenario card. Give students one minute to think individually, then discuss in pairs.
Activity: Challenging Stereotypes
- In your group, read your scenario card.
- Identify the stereotype and its impact.
- Brainstorm inclusive, positive counter-statements.
- Record your ideas on the worksheet.
- Prepare to share one finding with the class.
Hand out Scenario Cards and Stereotype Snapshots Worksheets. Form small groups of 3–4 students. Circulate to guide brainstorming and ensure all voices are heard.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
- Write one new insight you gained today.
- Write one action you can take to challenge a stereotype.
- Submit your sticky note as you leave.
Distribute sticky notes for exit tickets. Remind students to be specific and honest.
Key Takeaways
• Stereotypes oversimplify and harm.
• They form through repetition and assumption.
• We can identify and challenge them with empathy.
• Small actions make a big difference.
Highlight the main takeaways and thank the students for their participation. Remind them to apply these lessons daily.
Worksheet
Stereotype Snapshots Worksheet
Use this worksheet to analyze your scenario card, identify the stereotype, and brainstorm positive counter-statements.
Group Member Names: ________________________________
Scenario Card Title / Number: ________________________
1. Summarize the Scenario
In a few sentences, write what happens in your card.
2. Identify the Stereotype
What is the stereotype shown?
3. Underlying Assumption
What assumption leads someone to hold this stereotype?
4. Real-World Impact
How might this stereotype affect the person being labeled?
5. Counter-Statements
Brainstorm two positive, inclusive statements that challenge this stereotype.
6. Reflection
What question or thought do you still have about challenging stereotypes?
Activity
Scenario Cards on Stereotypes
Use these cards in small-group discussions. Read your card, then complete the Stereotype Snapshots Worksheet.
Card 1: Basketball and Gender
Alex assumes Maria can’t play basketball well because she’s a girl.
Card 2: Math and Gender
During math class, Mr. Lopez asks only the boys to solve the challenging problems, saying “Girls usually don’t like tough math.”
Card 3: Tech Expertise and Ethnicity
When the classroom computer breaks, classmates immediately ask Sanjay to fix it because they believe “Indian students are great with technology.”
Card 4: Ability and Participation
Because Lucas uses a wheelchair, some students assume he can’t join the class field trip to the hiking trail.
Card 5: Food and Culture
At lunch, Maya’s classmates sniff her homemade kimchi and laugh, saying “That’s gross—your culture’s food is weird.”
Card 6: Clothing and Wealth
Olivia wears designer shoes, and some peers assume she must be “smarter and more important” because she’s wealthy.
Warm Up
Stereotype Sticky Notes
Purpose: Surface common stereotypes and set the stage for our discussion.
Materials Needed: Sticky notes, a section of the board or chart paper.
Instructions:
- Give each student one sticky note.
- Prompt: “Write down a stereotype you’ve heard about any group of people. Be honest but respectful—this is anonymous.”
- After 1 minute, invite students to place their notes on the board.
- Select 3–4 notes to read aloud (anonymously).
- Facilitate a brief discussion:
- What patterns or themes do you notice?
- How might being labeled this way affect someone?
- Introduce and record the formal definition on the board:
Stereotype: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified belief about a group of people.
Cool Down
Stereotype Reflection Exit Ticket
Name: ______________________ Date: ____________
- One new insight I gained today about stereotypes:
- One specific action I can take to challenge a stereotype:
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection!