Special Awareness Days
Inclusivity in media representation (2017)
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Grades 3-5
Ask students to describe how they feel if they are left out of a game, celebration or other event. Share.
Have them explain why being included is important. Share several responses.
Explain that media (television, movies, advertising, internet content, books, video games, etc.) is often considered to be a “window to the world.” Ask students what that means.
Ask students whether what they see in mainstream media reflects what they see in the real world. For example, do families that they see on television look like their family in terms of their cultural background, lifestyle, type of home or neighbourhood, etc.? Ask whether they have noticed seeing certain cultures more often and others less often. Are there any types of people they don’t recall ever seeing on television? Discuss.
Pass out advertising fliers, catalogues or newspapers to students in small groups.
Have them explore the material, looking for the following:
- How many cultural groups are represented?
- What do they notice about representation from males and females?
Discuss with the larger group, commenting on what is present and what may be missing from the media sample they reviewed.
Close by asking students: How effective is the media that you see at being “a window to the world”? Share comments, asking students what improvements they would suggest.
Grades 6-8
Invite students to start a trend that promotes positive use of social media. For example, come up with ways they can use media to welcome newcomers to your school or neighbourhood, or to highlight a positive school or upcoming community event or celebrate a success. As a group, brainstorm examples of social media interactions that are inclusive and positive. Share some specific ideas and follow up!
It is no secret that bullying continues to be a concern in our schools and communities. Of special concern is interaction on social media where some people find it easy to put down or others or make them feel excluded. Talk with students about how they feel about the socializing they do without face-to-face interaction. Have they had an experience where someone did not realize the impact their words may have on others?
