Stereotyping Lesson Plan

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Stereotyping Lesson Plan

• Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain
• Freeport Middle School
• betsy_sky-mcilvain_at_coconetme.org
• http//www.leasttern.com/Wabanaki

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The Stereotypes

• Are old and still around
• Are already ingrained in students by grade 6
• Are aggravated by omission from texts
• Are easy to recognize and explain, but difficult
  to get rid of
• Are harmful and hurtful

That is what you need to teach.
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How do I teach this?

• The Big Picture - the grabber
• All-Cultures Chart - the its all about me
• Stereotype Concept Definition - the goal
• Classification - the frame
• Examples, examples, examples
• Crossing the comfort zone
• Learn about NOW in Maine
• Do something about it

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The Big Picture

• Understanding Indian Stereotypes
• Slide show
• Invisible

Hit them over the head with it.
Connect feelings to fact.
Confront the consequences.
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All-Cultures Chart
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Key Principles

• Traditional knowledge continues to exist and have
  value
• Self-definition of cultures should be encouraged
  and respected
• Cultural distinctiveness should be accepted and
  celebrated
• Native cultures are not static or frozen in the
  past, but have always been dynamic and
  selectively adoptive

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Concept Definition
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2
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Alternate activity What is Indian?
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Classification Frame

• 4 categories
• Specific details for students to tag and
  remember
• Practice, practice, practice

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Examples, examples, examples

• Textbooks
• Primary sources - letters, speeches, transcripts,
  cartoons - historical, current
• Visual media - TV, film - old and new
• Music, lyrics, rhymes
• Books - novels, childrens books, handbooks
• Artifacts of culture - patterns, toys, kitsch,
  place names, logos

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Cross the Comfort Zone

• Three-folds Quickdraw
• Read aloud - Agents Report
• Response journals
• Body voting
• Debates
• The Four Cards/Slips

Confront the consequences.
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Learn About NOW

• News
• Land Claims Settlement
• Web sites
• Interviews
• Video from MCSS conference
• Hands-on stereotypes

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Do Something About It

• Letters
• Campaigns
• Keypals
• Telecommunications
• Digital discussions
• More