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Understanding Harassment and Protected Categories

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Lesson Plan

Understanding Harassment and Protected Categories

Discuss Harassment and protected categories

This lesson introduces 4th-grade students to the concepts of harassment and protected categories in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson aims to create a safe space for students to explore these important topics. Students will engage in a guided discussion and reflection activity to deepen their understanding and empathy.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 mins

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Discussion Guide, and Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin by welcoming students and setting a safe and respectful tone for the discussion.
  • Briefly explain what harassment means in simple terms: unwanted behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
  • Introduce the idea of protected categories, such as race, gender, and disability, explaining that everyone deserves to be treated with respect regardless of these characteristics.

Step 2

Defining Race and Color Identities

5 mins

  • Explain that race is a way to group people based on physical characteristics like skin color, hair type, and facial features.
  • Discuss that color identity refers to how people identify themselves based on their skin color and how they are perceived by others.
  • Emphasize that these identities are important parts of who we are and should be respected.

Step 3

Defining Nationality Identities (Origin)

5 mins

  • Explain that nationality refers to the country where a person is born or holds citizenship.
  • Discuss how people may identify with their nationality through language, culture, and traditions.
  • Emphasize that everyone should be respected regardless of their nationality and that these identities contribute to the diversity of our communities.

Step 4

Defining Sexual Orientation

5 mins

  • Explain that sexual orientation is about who someone loves or is attracted to, and it can be different for everyone.
  • Discuss that some people may be attracted to people of the same gender, different genders, or all genders.
  • Emphasize that it's important to respect everyone's feelings and that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of who they love.

Step 5

Defining Sex Identity

5 mins

  • Explain that sex identity refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs.
  • Discuss that while sex is assigned at birth, some people may identify differently from their assigned sex.
  • Emphasize the importance of respecting each person's identity and understanding that everyone has the right to express themselves in a way that feels true to them.

Step 6

Defining Gender Identity

5 mins

  • Explain that gender identity is about how people see themselves and what they call themselves. It can be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
  • Discuss that some people may identify as a boy, a girl, both, neither, or in another way.
  • Emphasize the importance of respecting each person's gender identity and using the names and pronouns that they prefer.

Step 7

Defining Gender Expression

5 mins

  • Explain that gender expression is how a person shows their gender to the world through things like clothing, hairstyle, and behavior.
  • Discuss that everyone expresses their gender in their own unique way, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
  • Emphasize the importance of respecting how people choose to express themselves and understanding that it is a personal choice.

Step 8

Defining Ability Identities

5 mins

  • Explain that ability identities refer to the different ways people experience the world based on their physical, mental, or emotional abilities.
  • Discuss that everyone has unique strengths and challenges, and these differences should be respected and valued.
  • Emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all abilities are recognized and supported.

Step 9

Defining Creed (Religion/Spirituality) Identities

5 mins

  • Explain that creed identities refer to a person's religious or spiritual beliefs and practices.
  • Discuss that people may follow different religions or spiritual paths, and these beliefs can be an important part of who they are.
  • Emphasize the importance of respecting everyone's beliefs and understanding that diversity in religion and spirituality enriches our communities.

Step 10

Defining Marital Identities

5 mins

  • Explain that marital identities refer to the different ways people define their family structures, including being single, married, divorced, or widowed.
  • Discuss that families can look different for everyone, and all family structures should be respected.
  • Emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting diverse family dynamics and recognizing that love and support are what make a family.

Step 11

Guided Discussion

10 mins

  • Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about harassment and protected categories.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences, ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected.
  • Discuss why it's important to stand up against harassment and support those who might be affected.

Step 12

Reflection Activity

5 mins

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet to each student.
  • Ask students to write or draw about a time they saw someone being treated unfairly or how they can help create a more inclusive environment.
  • Allow students to share their reflections if they feel comfortable, fostering a supportive classroom community.

Step 13

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Reinforce the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect.
  • Encourage students to continue thinking about how they can contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment.
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Discussion

Discussion Guide

A guide to facilitate a classroom discussion on harassment and protected categories.

What does harassment mean to you?

Encourage students to think about behaviors that make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.







Why do you think it's important to have protected categories?

Discuss how these categories help ensure everyone is treated fairly and with respect.







How can we support someone who is being harassed?

Explore ways to stand up for others and create a supportive environment.







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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on their understanding of harassment and how they can help create an inclusive environment.

Write or draw about a time you saw someone being treated unfairly. What did you do or what could you have done?








How can you help make our classroom a more inclusive place for everyone?








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