Detailed Lesson Plan in English Grade 10 I
Detailed Lesson Plan in English Grade 10 I
Detailed Lesson Plan in English Grade 10 I
his lesson is most effective if students have already begun exploring social justice
issues like racism or gender stereotypes. You will need one paper plate per student.
First, review the meaning of the word prejudice, breaking down the word into its
parts, “pre” and “judge.”
Begin brainstorming about the types of judgments people might make without getting
to know someone. Ask, “What is something someone might think about you just from
looking at you?” I usually model with an example about myself. Younger children
often mention judgments based on gender, age, size or clothing. My students have
said, “Some people might see I’m a girl and think my favorite color is pink,” and
“People might think that just because I’m a kid, I don’t know a lot.” Older students
may mention stereotypes based on race, ethnicity, religion, class or sexual orientation.
Chart students’ responses, writing the broader categories on the board, such as
“gender” and “age.”
Explain that students will be reflecting on the difference between what others might
assume about them and how they truly are on the inside. Students will draw their faces
on the outside or “bump” of the plate. They will then write a few words or phrases
that they think someone might assume about them. On the inside or “crater” of the
plate, students color in a heart and write words or phrases that describe their
character/personality—who they really are.
For example, I have seen boys write down “rough” and “violent” on the outside of
their plates and “gentle” and “loves stuffies” on the inside of their plates. One of my
students wrote down “small,” “dumb” and “weak” on the outside of her plate, while
she wrote down “strong,” “curious” and “loves sports” on the inside. When students
are finished, give them time to participate in a short “gallery walk” to admire the
collective work of the class. Then facilitate a discussion about the activity, asking
such questions as:
Did you make any connections between your plate and a classmate’s?
How did this activity help you understand the meaning of prejudice?
Creating these “paper plate portraits” is a powerful, concrete and hands-on learning
activity that encourages students to reflect on prejudice. It also helps them see how
multifaceted they are as individuals (thinking about their “outside” versus “inside”
selves). The lesson helps students to better understand the complex, pervasive issues
related to prejudice and stereotypes, revealing why it is important that we all
challenge biased assumptions