The Impact of Stereotypes

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 6
Subject: Health
Unit: Navigating Identity and Safety (Lesson 2 of 8)
Time: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Australian Curriculum Link:

• Personal, Social and Community Health (ACPPS056, ACPPS057)
  • Investigate how identities are influenced by people and places
  • Examine how different factors shape identities and influence stereotypes

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Define stereotypes and understand their influence on identity
• Recognise common stereotypes in Australian society and their impact
• Demonstrate empathy and critical thinking when discussing stereotypes
• Reflect on how they can challenge stereotypes in daily life

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Breaking the Ice (10 minutes)

Activity: "What's in the Bag?"

• The teacher presents a sealed bag containing mystery objects.
• Students will be asked to guess the contents based on vague descriptions (e.g., "It’s something a lot of girls use" or "It’s something only athletes wear").
• After revealing objects (e.g., soccer ball, makeup brush, toy car), the teacher asks:
  "Why did we assume certain objects belonged to specific groups?"
  "Does everyone fit these expectations?"

Discussion:

• Define "stereotype" as a generalised belief about a group of people.
• Explain how stereotypes can be unfair and inaccurate.

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2. Exploring Stereotypes (15 minutes)

Activity: "Common Stereotypes in Australia"

• Display statements (printed out or written on the board):
  • "Only boys play football."
  • "Girls are better at art than science."
  • "All Australians love the beach."
  • "People who wear glasses are nerdy."
• In small groups, students discuss:
  • Where might people hear these stereotypes?
  • Are they always true?
  • How might these stereotypes impact someone who doesn’t fit them?

Class Discussion:

• Groups share their thoughts.
• Teacher highlights how stereotypes can limit opportunities and create unfair expectations.

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3. Case Studies – Stereotypes in Action (15 minutes)

Activity: "Real Stories, Real Impact"

• The teacher shares short real-life scenarios or fictional case studies:
  • A girl discouraged from playing cricket because “it’s a boys’ sport.”
  • A boy teased for liking musical theatre.
  • An Indigenous student assumed to be an athlete rather than an academic achiever.

Student Reflection:

• Pairs discuss:
  • How would the person in the story feel?
  • What could be done to challenge the stereotype?
• Pairs present their thoughts.

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4. Challenging Stereotypes Creatively (15 minutes)

Activity: "Rewriting the Narrative"

• Students pair up and choose a common stereotype.
• They create an alternative positive statement to replace it (e.g., instead of "Only boys play video games," they could write "Anyone can enjoy gaming, no matter who they are!").
• They illustrate their new statements on posters to be displayed in the classroom or school.

Class Reflection:

• Students share their posters.
• Teacher reinforces the idea that challenging stereotypes starts with awareness and small changes in how we speak and think.

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5. Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

Exit Ticket Question:

• On a post-it note, students write one thing they learned about stereotypes today and how they will challenge them in their own lives.
• Students can place their notes on a "Challenge the Stereotype" wall in the classroom.

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Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment:

• Observation of group discussions and participation.
• Exit ticket reflections.
• Evaluating student posters to assess understanding.

Differentiation Strategies:

• Provide extra visual examples for students who benefit from concrete learning tools.
• Allow students who are less confident with public speaking to share thoughts in smaller groups first.
• Offer a choice between drawing or writing responses.

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Resources & Materials

• A bag with various objects (e.g., toy car, makeup brush, football, glasses)
• Pre-written stereotype scenarios
• Large paper/posters, art supplies for creative activity
• Sticky notes for exit ticket reflections

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

• Did students engage with the topic?
• Which activities worked best?
• Were there any student misconceptions that need to be addressed next lesson?

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Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 3: "Online Identity & Staying Safe" – Understanding how online interactions shape self-perception and learning strategies to safely navigate digital spaces.

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By integrating thought-provoking discussions, real-life examples, and creative expression, this lesson will leave a lasting impact on students, empowering them to challenge stereotypes both inside and outside the classroom.