Warm-Up Activity Handout

Welcome to the Warm-Up Activity! This handout is designed to help you think about your own experiences and thoughts related to bias and stereotypes. Please take a moment to reflect on each question and write your responses in the space provided.

Activity Instructions

1. Read each question carefully.
2. Write your honest responses in the space after each question.
3. If you're not sure, that's okay—just share what comes to mind.
4. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. This is your chance to think deeply and share your perspective.

Question 1: What comes to mind when you hear the word "bias"?

Your response:

Question 2: Can you think of a time when you observed a stereotype in your school or community? Briefly describe what happened.

Your response:

Question 3: Why do you think it is important to recognize and challenge bias and stereotypes?

Your response:

Question 4: What are some ways you believe you could help create a more respectful and inclusive environment?

Your response:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We will use your responses to guide our discussion and activities during today's session.

Cool Down Reflection Guide

At the end of each session, take a few moments to reflect on what you've learned. Your honest reflections are important in helping you connect the ideas discussed and understand how to apply them in your everyday life.

Reflection Prompts

Reflect on the Session

• What is one new idea or insight you gained today?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How did today's discussion and activities change your perspective about bias and stereotypes?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Personal Connection

• Can you think of a time when you or someone you know experienced bias? How does understanding the concepts from today's session help you think about that situation differently?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Future Application

• What is one way you plan to challenge or prevent bias in your daily life based on what you learned today?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Overall Feelings

• Describe how you feel now compared to the beginning of the session. Did this session change your understanding or attitude in any way? Why or why not?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Thank you for taking the time to reflect. Your thoughts and insights are valuable and contribute to a better learning experience.

Teacher Script for Bias Discussion

Welcome, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about sexism, bias, and the stereotypes that affect us and our community. Please remember that this is a safe space, and everyone's ideas and opinions are valuable. We are here to learn from each other and support one another in creating a respectful classroom environment.

Introduction

"Good morning, class! Today, we're starting a discussion about some very important topics—sexism, bias, and stereotypes. These are ideas that might affect how we see ourselves and others. Our goal is to learn more about these terms and think about ways we can create a more inclusive and respectful community."

"Before we begin, does anyone know or can define what sexism means? Feel free to share your thoughts. If you're not sure, that's completely fine; this is a learning opportunity for us all."

Pause and allow students to share responses. Acknowledge each contribution positively, e.g., "Great idea! That's one way to look at it," or "That's an interesting perspective."

Guiding the Discussion

"Now, let's explore these ideas further. First, let's break down the term 'bias.' Bias is an inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something. It can affect how we treat others without us even realizing it. Can anyone share an example of when they might have seen bias, whether in school, at home, or in the media?"

Allow students time to think and respond. Encourage a few short responses by prompting with, "Take a moment to think of any examples, no matter how small," or "Remember, every contribution helps us learn together."

"Thank you for sharing! I want you to know that each story helps us see how bias can show up in our lives. When we recognize it, we can work together to challenge and change it."

Exploring Stereotypes

"Let’s talk about stereotypes. A stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified idea of what a person or a group of people is like. For instance, someone might assume that because a person is athletic, they must be good at every sport. But we all know that skills and interests vary from person to person.

"Can anyone think of a stereotype they've heard about or seen around them? What are the potential consequences of relying on stereotypes when we make judgments about others?"

Allow for responses, facilitate discussion by asking follow-up questions like, "How do you feel when someone makes assumptions about you based on a stereotype?" or "What could be a better way to understand someone's abilities?"

"These are important questions because understanding stereotypes helps us challenge them in our daily lives and make more open-minded decisions."

Strategies for Challenging Bias

"Now that we know what sexism, bias, and stereotypes are, let's think about ways to challenge them. What are some steps or strategies we can take when we see or experience bias?"

*Pause for responses. Encourage ideas such as: reassuring a friend, speaking up, asking questions to better understand, or seeking help from a trusted adult.

"For example, if you notice someone being unfairly treated because of their gender, you could ask, 'Do you think this is fair?' or 'How can we make sure everyone is treated equally?'"

"Remember, it's not just about noticing bias—it’s about acting in ways that promote respect and fairness."

Wrap-Up and Reflection

"To conclude our discussion, I’d like each of you to take a moment and think about what we talked about today.

Ask yourself: How can I apply what I've learned to challenge bias and stereotypes in my everyday life? What small step can I take right now?"

"I encourage you all to share your thoughts during our reflection time. Your voice matters, and together we can create a supportive, respectful environment."

"Before we finish, does anyone have any questions, or is there any part of today's discussion that you'd like to revisit?"

Pause for any final questions and affirm the value of each query. End the session by thanking the class for their participation and honesty.

"Thank you for your thoughtful contributions today. I'm really proud of how openly you all engaged with these important topics. Remember, every action you take towards challenging bias makes our community a better place. Let's continue this conversation and work together to foster respect and understanding every day."

End of Script

Interactive Worksheet on Stereotypes

This worksheet is designed to help you identify, analyze, and challenge common stereotypes. Read each scenario carefully and answer the questions that follow. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

Scenario 1: The Athletic Student

Imagine a student at school who is always involved in sports. Many people assume that because this student is athletic, they must be good at every sport without much practice.

Questions:

1. What stereotype is being applied to the student?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How might this assumption be unfair or limiting to the student's opportunities?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. In what ways could the student challenge this stereotype? Provide at least two strategies.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The Quiet Class Member

In a classroom discussion, a student who is usually quiet is assumed not to have good ideas or opinions simply because they don't speak up often.

Questions:

1. Identify the stereotype in this scenario.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Discuss how this stereotype might affect the student’s confidence and participation.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Suggest two ways that classmates or teachers can help challenge this stereotype and support the student.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: The Helper and the Leader

Some individuals believe that only certain people can be leaders, while others are only fit to be helpers. For example, a class might assume that boys should be leaders and girls should be helpers in group projects without considering individual abilities and interests.

Questions:

1. What is the stereotype present in this scenario?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How might this stereotype contribute to an unfair classroom environment?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Propose at least two strategies to ensure that every student gets a fair opportunity to lead and contribute according to their strengths.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection

After working through the scenarios above, reflect on the following questions:

1. What have you learned about how stereotypes can affect individuals in a school setting?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How can you personally contribute to challenging stereotypes in your daily life?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for completing this worksheet. Your thoughts and ideas contribute to a respectful and inclusive school environment.