Grade R Home Language Lesson Plan: Anti-Bias Awareness

Grade R Home Language Lesson Plan: Anti-Bias Awareness

Materials Needed:

  • Picture books that highlight diversity and inclusiveness
  • Chart paper and markers
  • Crayons and coloured pencils
  • An assortment of images depicting different cultures, abilities, and family structures
  • Music from diverse cultures
  • A projector or smartboard (if available)

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
1. Recognise and appreciate the diversity in their classroom and community.
2. Identify and express the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their backgrounds.
3. Create a simple drawing that represents what makes them unique.

Vocabulary:

  1. Diversity: The range of different things (like people and cultures) in a group.
  2. Respect: To treat others the way you want to be treated.
  3. Kindness: Being friendly and helpful to others.
  4. Differences: Things that make people unique from one another.
  5. Fairness: Treating everyone equally.

Previous Learning:

Learners have explored concepts of family, community, and the different roles people play in their lives. They have also engaged in activities that celebrate personal identity and have been introduced to sharing and caring.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Potential Challenge: Some learners may struggle to understand the concept of bias or may have preconceived notions about differences.
  • Solution: Use simple language and relatable examples with storytelling that highlight positive interactions among diverse groups.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Introduction: Greet the learners and introduce the topic of anti-bias. Explain that everyone is unique and valuable.
  2. Story Time: Read a picture book that reflects diverse cultures and backgrounds. Ask open-ended questions about the characters’ differences and similarities.

Middle Activities (32 minutes):

  1. Class Discussion (10 minutes): Facilitate a discussion about the book. Encourage learners to share their thoughts on how we can be kind and respectful to everyone, regardless of their differences.
  2. Group Activity (15 minutes): Divide learners into small groups and give them images of people from various backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Ask them to discuss how they would treat each person and why kindness is important.
  3. Creative Drawing (7 minutes): Ask learners to draw a picture of themselves and include something that makes them unique. Encourage them to use colours and designs that show their individuality.

End Activities (4 minutes):

  1. Gallery Walk (2 minutes): Display learners’ drawings around the classroom. Allow students to walk around and appreciate each other’s work.
  2. Closing Circle (2 minutes): Gather learners and ask them to share one thing they learned about diversity and kindness today.

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Observations during group discussions for active participation.
  • Review of learner drawings to check their understanding of uniqueness and diversity.
  • Informal assessment through discussions and sharing at the closing circle.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Scaffolding: Provide additional support during group discussions for those who may find it challenging to express their thoughts.
  • Extension: Encourage advanced learners to write a sentence about their drawing and what makes them different.

Teaching Notes:

The purpose of this lesson is to instill the values of respect and kindness among learners while fostering an appreciation for diversity. It is essential to create a safe space where all learners feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.

  • Accessibility Considerations: Ensure that materials are accessible for all learners, including those with physical disabilities. Use large print and tactile materials if necessary. Adapt activities based on individual needs by allowing for alternative responses.

This lesson aims to lay a strong foundation for anti-bias understanding and foster a harmonious classroom environment.