The Girl in the Mirror - Lesson Lesson Plan

Gender Representation
Stereotyping

Level: Grades 7 to 9

Author: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Overview

In this lesson, students look at how gender stereotyping may discourage young women from becoming involved in politics. Students begin by discussing what is meant by the terms "politics" and "political action." With those definitions in mind, they create a "portrait of a politician" based on the traits and characteristics that are needed to be a political agent. Students then deconstruct media products aimed at girls and young women in order to identify the stereotypes contained within and understand how these may raise barriers to being politically active.

Other lesson in this series: Suffragettes and Iron Ladies

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Discuss stereotyping
  • Define political terms
  • Analyze media products
  • Identify stereotypes

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) are available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.

Lesson Kit