Lesson Plan
Redefining Normal Lesson Plan
Guide students in critically exploring and redefining the concept of 'normal' in mental health, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
This lesson is vital to encourage open dialogue about mental health, dispel stigma, and help students appreciate diverse experiences and identities.
Audience
8th Grade Group
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, multimedia, and collaborative activities.
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Redefining Normal Lesson Plan.
- Familiarize yourself with the What Is Normal? Presentation slides.
- Set up the classroom for group activities and ensure multimedia access.
- Watch the video How Can You Fight Stigma? to integrate its discussion points.
Step 1
Introduction & Video Clip
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on the idea of 'normal' and its implications in society.
- Show the video How Can You Fight Stigma? to spark conversation about mental health stigma.
Step 2
Presentation and Group Discussion
15 minutes
- Present key slides from the What Is Normal? Presentation that outline what 'normal' can mean in mental health contexts.
- Divide students into small groups. Ask them to discuss and list qualities that define 'normal' in a diverse society and share personal interpretations.
- Reconvene as a whole class and facilitate a discussion highlighting varied perspectives.
Step 3
Inclusivity Workshop Activity
10 minutes
- Conduct the Inclusivity Workshop where students engage in activities that emphasize acceptance and understanding of differences.
- Encourage students to reflect on how redefining 'normal' can support mental well-being in themselves and others.
Step 4
Conclusion and Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask students to share one takeaway from the lesson and how they might promote inclusivity and challenge stigma in their daily lives.
- Summarize the significance of broadening the definition of 'normal' for a healthier community.
Slide Deck
What Is Normal?
Welcome! Today, we explore the concept of 'normal' in the context of mental health.
Introduce the session with enthusiasm. Emphasize that today's discussion is about challenging our preconceptions. Highlight that 'normal' is a concept that varies from person to person.
The Many Meanings of 'Normal'
• 'Normal' can mean what is typical, common, or expected.
• However, diversity in thoughts, behaviors, and experiences shows that 'normal' is fluid.
Explain how 'normal' can be defined in numerous ways and that there is no single definition that fits everyone. Encourage students to think of examples from media, history, and personal experience.
Mental Health & Normal
• Mental health involves emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
• What is considered 'normal' may differ for each individual.
• Embracing diversity in mental health supports inclusivity.
Connect the concept of normalcy to mental health. Discuss that mental health includes a range of experiences, and each person’s journey is unique. Invite students to consider how societal definitions can impact one's self-esteem and mental wellbeing.
Group Discussion
Discussion Prompts:
• What qualities or experiences define 'normal' for you?
• How can broadening our definition of normal reduce mental health stigma?
Facilitate a group discussion. Pose open-ended questions such as 'What does normal mean to you?' and 'How can redefining normal help us understand mental health better?'. Encourage students to share personal reflections while ensuring a respectful environment.
Wrap Up & Reflection
Key Takeaways:
• 'Normal' is diverse and constantly evolving.
• Acceptance and inclusivity in mental health empower us all.
• Reflect on how redefining normal can impact your life and community.
Summarize the session with key takeaways. Emphasize that understanding and accepting differences is essential to a healthier community. Invite students to share one takeaway or an action step they plan to take.
Activity
Inclusivity Workshop
This activity allows students to engage in hands-on experiences that foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity in mental health. Through role-playing and group discussions, students will experience different perspectives and learn how inclusivity can help challenge stigma.
Objectives
- Understand the diversity of experiences in mental health.
- Increase empathy towards different perspectives.
- Practice active listening and respectful communication.
- Reflect on how inclusivity benefits both individual and community mental well-being.
Materials Needed
- Scenario cards (provided by the teacher)
- Whiteboard or flip chart
- Markers
- Timer
Activity Structure
1. Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)
- Begin by asking students: "What does inclusivity mean to you?"
- Encourage students to share brief examples of times they felt included or excluded.
2. Role-Playing Scenarios (15 minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Hand out scenario cards that feature different mental health situations and diversity challenges. Each card describes a brief scenario where issues of inclusivity and mental well-being are at play.
- Instructions for students:
- Step 1: Read the scenario on your card.
- Step 2: Discuss within your group how the characters in the scenario might feel.
- Step 3: Role-play the scenario to show different perspectives.
- Step 4: After the role-play, discuss as a group what could be done to make the situation more inclusive.
3. Group Reflection (10 minutes)
- Reconvene as a whole class.
- Ask each group to share a summary of their role-play and the key insights they gained about inclusivity and mental health.
- Facilitate a discussion with the following prompts:
- What did you learn about the challenges of inclusivity in each scenario?
- How can being more inclusive help reduce mental health stigma?
- What actions can you personally take to promote inclusivity in your daily interactions?
4. Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Summarize the activity by highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and active efforts in making inclusive communities.
- Encourage students to reflect on one key takeaway and share how they might apply it to their life.
Teacher Reflection
- Monitor group dynamics to ensure all students are actively participating and feeling safe.
- Address any sensitive issues that may arise with compassion and insight.
- Consider feedback from students to refine future inclusivity workshop activities.
Remember: This workshop is meant to be a supportive space where all voices are valued. Each contribution helps us understand and break down the barriers that stigma creates, fostering a community where everyone feels accepted.
For further material, refer back to the Redefining Normal Lesson Plan and the What Is Normal? Presentation.