STEREOTYPE BUSTERS

STEREOTYPE BUSTERS

· Multi-week co-ed (normally 10 weeks)

· Explore the link between stereotypes and racism, gender violence, intolerance and bullying

· Learn and practice skills to facilitate behaviour change

STEREOTYPE BUSTERS description for:

STEREOTYPE BUSTERS feedback:

For Elementary Schools:

· Meets the Ontario Elementary Curriculum for Language, Social Studies, and Health in the Growth and Development, Personal Safety and Injury Prevention Media Literacy, Oral and Written Communication, Interactions and Interdependence and Art and Drama Strands.

· Matches the Developmental Asset Domains for Boundaries and Expectations, Positive Values, Social Competencies, Positive Identity, Respect and Partnerships with Family and Community.

· Topics covered:

Week
1

More Than Meets the Eye

Goal: Explore the difference between fact and opinion

Goal: Learn what the term stereotype means

Task: Understand the link between stereotypes and school labels

Week
2

The Power of the Media

Goal: Identify power groups in the media

Goal: Discover the impact of power groups in the media and how to counteract the messages

Task: Explore reality versus fantasy (media)

Week 3

Gender Stereotypes

Goal: Understand how the media perpetuates gender stereotypes

Goal: Identify how gender stereotypes can lead to violence

Task: Explore the effects of trying to live up to gender stereotypes

Week
4

Prejudice and Discrimination

Goal: Define prejudice and discrimination

Goal: Explore the impact of prejudice and discrimination

Goal: Discover the connection between stereotypes and bullying

Task: Identify ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination

Week
5

Bullying in Person and Cyberspace

Goal: Understand the different forms of bullying

Goal: Explore the unhealthy ways technology is used

Task: Create personal approaches to deal with bullying

Week
6

Believing in Yourself

Goal: Explore feelings regarding personal image

Goal: Explore how the media can affect personal image

Task: Increase self-esteem by acknowledging skills, attitudes, strengths about own personal image

Week
7

Building Assertiveness Skills

Goal: Understand the importance of communicating assertively

Goal: Explore the different styles of communication

Task: Learn and practice assertive techniques

Week
8

Get Your Anger out

Goal: Understand what anger is

Goal: Recognize physical cues of anger

Task: Examine ways to handle anger in a productive manner

Week

9

Expressing Empathy

Goal: Understand the meaning of the term empathy

Task: Practice using empathy to build healthy relationships

Week
10

Putting it all Together

Goal: Reinforce concepts learned

Task: Explore more options to deal with the impact of stereotypes

Student Experience

A young man made some incredible connections in the first session of Stereotype Busters. Near the end of the presentation, a Grade 6 boy leapt up and exclaimed “I have been judged a lot because I have dyslexia, so people assume I am stupid.” He went on to share with the entire class what he had learned about stereotypes during this first session. He continued “We all need to understand that these labels can lead to entire countries not liking each other, and therefore going to war.”

Teacher Testimonial

“Great activities and discussions, children were very engaged. Keep up the wonderful work! It’s clear that you’re making a difference. I really feel that each child learned valuable life skills that will help them to be strong, loving and respectful people-Thanks great job!”

With your help, we can make respect the norm,
not the exception in our homes, schools and community!