exploring stereotypes
EXPLORING STEREOTYPES
To Kill a Mockingbird Introduction Activity
To Kill a Mockingbird INTRODUCTORY SHOE ACTIVITY ~ EXPLORING STEREOTYPES ~ The following activity forces students to form stereotypes about the owners of each shoe. After they create their shoe owner “profiles,” we discuss not only the shoe owner stereotypes, but how we stereotype others in real life based on their appearances. The first chapter of the novel shows us how much Scout has stereotyped others: Southerners, Northerners, neighbors, blacks, and individuals like Boo Radley. I will remind them of our shoe activity periodically throughout the novel, to remind them how damaging stereotypes can be. Procedure: 1. Students form small groups and create profiles for several of the shoes. (Handout, pages 2-3) 2. Students present their profiles to the class 3. Follow-up discussion and handout (page 4) • Rubric and standards for group activity (students can self-assess or can be teacher-assessed) on pages 5-6 • Images from my classroom on page 7
This activity was adapted from Traci Gardner’s “Spend a Day in My Shoes: Exploring the Role of Perspective in Narrative” lesson. You can download her handout from the Read.Write.Think. website HERE. TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE
Group Member Names: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Shoe #1
Shoe #2
Shoe #3
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE
Group Member Names: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Shoe #4
Shoe #5
Shoe #6
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: Exploring Stereotypes Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________ Period: ____
What is a Bias?
Definition of bias: Attitudes or behaviors based on stereotypes of people. 1. Which shoes were easier to make negative assumptions, jokes, or comments about? In context: When we omit people of color in our history 2. Why do you think those particular shoes were easier targets for negative assumptions (biases) and lessons, we display a bias that suggests that their contributions are not important.
stereotypes?
What is a Stereotype? Definition of stereotype: A generalized picture of a person, created without taking the whole person into account; to make such a generalization. In context: When we stereotype a group of people, we depict all of the individuals within that group as having the same characteristics.
3. Did your group make negative assumptions about any of the owners? If so, why, do you think? If not, what made your group decide to be positive?
4. What are some stereotypes people make about others here at EHS?
5. List ways in which these stereotypes are unfair or could cause problems:
6. List at least three events in history that were influenced by stereotypes and biases:
7. How do people learn to make assumptions and stereotypes?
8. How can people unlearn them? What can YOU and your classmates do to help reduce bias and stereotyping?
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
To Kill a Mockingbird Unit Objectives - Individual assessment for group activity Shoe exercise - Group activity & individual follow-up response You will be assessed by your ability to work together as a group (specifically with people you do not choose as group members) and effectively present your findings to the class. In addition, you will respond in writing in a follow-up activity. Activity
Standards/Skills
Master Level
Assessment/Benchmark (Shows that you have learned it)
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate • Listens to instructions. effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations • Read through questions/directives for information (rather than asking others) with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and • Decide roles (who records information, who will present information to the expressing their own clearly and persuasively. class) • Respond thoughtfully to group members • Justify your opinion(s) • Work together to create overall description • Listens to group members. • Listens to classmates as they present their information
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6 Adapt speech to a variety of • Speaks clearly contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating • Speaks at appropriate times without interrupting group members command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. • Uses appropriate tone and volume for group discussion
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d Use precise words and phrases, • Descriptions of shoe owners are detailed, vivid telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid • Descriptions and language are appropriate for the task picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or • Follow-up activity is written in complete sentences with thoughtful responses characters.
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
Shoe Tolerance/Working with others: Contributes to the overall exercise effort of a group.
• Demonstrates respect for others in a group. • Demonstrates respect for the class by listening to others, avoiding interruptions
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
To Kill a Mockingbird Unit Objectives: SHOE EXERCISE English II, Activity #1
SPEAKING & LISTENING SL.1 - Participate & collaborate effectively in a group with diverse partners. Build on one another’s ideas; express ideas clearly and persuasively. SL.6 - Demonstrate the command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. WRITING W.3d - Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the owners of the shoes.
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
Example Shoes & Student Groups
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
To Kill a Mockingbird Introduction Activity
To Kill a Mockingbird INTRODUCTORY SHOE ACTIVITY ~ EXPLORING STEREOTYPES ~ The following activity forces students to form stereotypes about the owners of each shoe. After they create their shoe owner “profiles,” we discuss not only the shoe owner stereotypes, but how we stereotype others in real life based on their appearances. The first chapter of the novel shows us how much Scout has stereotyped others: Southerners, Northerners, neighbors, blacks, and individuals like Boo Radley. I will remind them of our shoe activity periodically throughout the novel, to remind them how damaging stereotypes can be. Procedure: 1. Students form small groups and create profiles for several of the shoes. (Handout, pages 2-3) 2. Students present their profiles to the class 3. Follow-up discussion and handout (page 4) • Rubric and standards for group activity (students can self-assess or can be teacher-assessed) on pages 5-6 • Images from my classroom on page 7
This activity was adapted from Traci Gardner’s “Spend a Day in My Shoes: Exploring the Role of Perspective in Narrative” lesson. You can download her handout from the Read.Write.Think. website HERE. TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE
Group Member Names: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Shoe #1
Shoe #2
Shoe #3
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE
Group Member Names: _______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Shoe #4
Shoe #5
Shoe #6
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
Describe it (look, feel, size, wear, age, etc.): ________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Occupation: ________________________ Age: ____
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
Physical description: _________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
Personality traits: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
Hobbies: __________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
Accomplishments: ___________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
Bad habits: ________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
Favorite thing(s) to do in these shoes: ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
What do people say about this person? ____________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
________________________________________ ________________________________________
the owner is; should be a fictional person): Name: ___________________________________
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
SHOE EXERCISE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: Exploring Stereotypes Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________ Period: ____
What is a Bias?
Definition of bias: Attitudes or behaviors based on stereotypes of people. 1. Which shoes were easier to make negative assumptions, jokes, or comments about? In context: When we omit people of color in our history 2. Why do you think those particular shoes were easier targets for negative assumptions (biases) and lessons, we display a bias that suggests that their contributions are not important.
stereotypes?
What is a Stereotype? Definition of stereotype: A generalized picture of a person, created without taking the whole person into account; to make such a generalization. In context: When we stereotype a group of people, we depict all of the individuals within that group as having the same characteristics.
3. Did your group make negative assumptions about any of the owners? If so, why, do you think? If not, what made your group decide to be positive?
4. What are some stereotypes people make about others here at EHS?
5. List ways in which these stereotypes are unfair or could cause problems:
6. List at least three events in history that were influenced by stereotypes and biases:
7. How do people learn to make assumptions and stereotypes?
8. How can people unlearn them? What can YOU and your classmates do to help reduce bias and stereotyping?
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
To Kill a Mockingbird Unit Objectives - Individual assessment for group activity Shoe exercise - Group activity & individual follow-up response You will be assessed by your ability to work together as a group (specifically with people you do not choose as group members) and effectively present your findings to the class. In addition, you will respond in writing in a follow-up activity. Activity
Standards/Skills
Master Level
Assessment/Benchmark (Shows that you have learned it)
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate • Listens to instructions. effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations • Read through questions/directives for information (rather than asking others) with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and • Decide roles (who records information, who will present information to the expressing their own clearly and persuasively. class) • Respond thoughtfully to group members • Justify your opinion(s) • Work together to create overall description • Listens to group members. • Listens to classmates as they present their information
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6 Adapt speech to a variety of • Speaks clearly contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating • Speaks at appropriate times without interrupting group members command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. • Uses appropriate tone and volume for group discussion
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d Use precise words and phrases, • Descriptions of shoe owners are detailed, vivid telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid • Descriptions and language are appropriate for the task picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or • Follow-up activity is written in complete sentences with thoughtful responses characters.
Master Meet Developing Below
▢ ▢ ▢ ▢
Shoe Tolerance/Working with others: Contributes to the overall exercise effort of a group.
• Demonstrates respect for others in a group. • Demonstrates respect for the class by listening to others, avoiding interruptions
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.3d, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
To Kill a Mockingbird Unit Objectives: SHOE EXERCISE English II, Activity #1
SPEAKING & LISTENING SL.1 - Participate & collaborate effectively in a group with diverse partners. Build on one another’s ideas; express ideas clearly and persuasively. SL.6 - Demonstrate the command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. WRITING W.3d - Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the owners of the shoes.
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
Example Shoes & Student Groups
TKaM Shoe Exercise Copyright © Tracee Orman
