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Unmasking Stigma

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Lesson Plan

Unmasking Stigma

Students will be able to define stigma, identify examples of stigma in society, and discuss strategies for challenging stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors.

Understanding stigma helps students recognize and counteract harmful stereotypes, promoting empathy and creating a more inclusive community. This is a vital life skill for navigating social interactions and advocating for mental wellness.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Through video analysis, discussion, and reflection, students will explore the nature and impact of stigma.

Materials

Stigma Video (teacher-provided), Unmasking Stigma Slide Deck, Stigma Reflection Journal, and Challenging Stigma Discussion Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 Minutes

  • Review the Unmasking Stigma Slide Deck and customize as needed.
    - Ensure access to a suitable video on stigma. Consider videos from reputable mental health organizations or educational platforms. (e.g., a short animated explainer on mental health stigma, or a personal story about overcoming a social stigma).
    - Print copies of the Stigma Reflection Journal or prepare for digital distribution.
    - Familiarize yourself with the Challenging Stigma Discussion Guide to facilitate a thoughtful conversation.
    - Test video and audio equipment.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Comes to Mind?

5 Minutes

  • Begin with a brief, anonymous warm-up activity. Ask students to silently reflect on or jot down a few words that come to mind when they hear the word 'stigma.'
    - Introduce the lesson objectives using the Unmasking Stigma Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Video & Initial Thoughts

10 Minutes

  • Play the selected 'Stigma Video.'
    - After the video, facilitate a quick pair-share: "What was one key takeaway or feeling you had after watching the video?" (Slide 3).

Step 3

Defining & Discussing Stigma

10 Minutes

  • Use the Unmasking Stigma Slide Deck (Slide 4-5) to provide a clear definition of stigma and discuss its various forms (social, self-stigma, etc.) and impact.
    - Lead a class discussion using prompts from the Challenging Stigma Discussion Guide. Encourage students to share examples of stigma they've observed or experienced (without naming individuals) and brainstorm why it exists.

Step 4

Challenging Stigma & Reflection

5 Minutes

  • Introduce strategies for challenging stigma (e.g., education, empathy, speaking up) using the Unmasking Stigma Slide Deck (Slide 6).
    - Distribute the Stigma Reflection Journal. Ask students to complete the first prompt for homework or as a cool-down activity.
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Slide Deck

Welcome: Unmasking Stigma

What is 'Stigma'?

Take a moment to think about what this word means to you. What comes to mind when you hear 'stigma'?

Today, we're going to explore what stigma is, how it affects people, and what we can do to challenge it.

Welcome students and introduce the topic. You might ask them what they already know or think about the word 'stigma' to gauge prior knowledge.

Our Goals Today

  • Define Stigma: Understand what stigma is and its different forms.
  • Explore Impact: Recognize how stigma affects individuals and communities.
  • Challenge Stigma: Learn strategies to combat stigma and promote empathy.

Introduce the learning objectives for the session. Emphasize that this is about understanding and building a more supportive community.

As you watch, consider:

  • What are the main messages?
  • How does stigma impact the individuals shown?

Prepare to play your chosen 'Stigma Video.' Remind students to pay attention to the main messages and any emotional responses they might have.

Discuss: Initial Reactions

What was one key takeaway or feeling you had after watching the video?

Let's share our initial thoughts and connect them to what we know about stigma.

Facilitate a discussion after the video. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts, feelings, or key takeaways. Connect their responses to the definition of stigma.

What is Stigma?

Stigma: A Mark of Disgrace

Stigma is a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.

Types of Stigma:

  • Social Stigma: Negative attitudes from society toward a characteristic.
  • Self-Stigma: Internalizing negative societal attitudes.

How does it impact people?

  • Shame & Isolation
  • Discrimination
  • Reluctance to seek help
  • Reduced opportunities

Provide a clear definition of stigma. Explain the different types (social, self-stigma) and give examples. Guide the discussion on how stigma impacts people.

Challenging Stigma

We can all be part of the solution!

How to Challenge Stigma:

  1. Educate Yourself & Others: Learn the facts.
  2. Practice Empathy: Try to understand others' perspectives.
  3. Speak Up: Challenge stereotypes and discriminatory language.
  4. Support Inclusion: Be an ally.

Your voice matters! Let's reflect on how we can make a difference.

Introduce actionable steps students can take to challenge stigma. Encourage them to think about how they can apply these in their own lives. Transition to the journal activity.

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Discussion

Challenging Stigma: Discussion Guide

Use these questions to facilitate a thoughtful class discussion about stigma.

Understanding Stigma

  1. Based on the video and our definition, how would you explain stigma in your own words?


  2. Can you think of any examples of social stigma you have observed in school, in your community, or in media? (Remember not to name specific individuals!)





  3. Why do you think stigma exists? What are some reasons people might stigmatize others?





  4. How does stigma make people feel? What are some of the long-term effects of experiencing stigma?





Taking Action Against Stigma

  1. What does it mean to
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Journal

Stigma Reflection Journal

Take some time to reflect on what we discussed about stigma and how it applies to your life and the world around you.

Prompt 1: Personal Connection

Think about a time you might have seen or heard someone being stigmatized, or perhaps even felt a sense of stigma yourself (this could be about anything - a hobby, a belief, an interest, a challenge). How did it feel? What impact did it have?











Prompt 2: Being an Ally

What is one concrete action you can take this week to challenge stigma or support someone who might be experiencing it? Be specific about how you will put your learning into practice.











Prompt 3: A Stigma-Free World

Imagine a world where stigma doesn't exist. How would that world be different? What positive changes would you see in people and communities?











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Unmasking Stigma • Lenny Learning