I Am a Star
This activity works well at the beginning of the school year. It is a positive vehicle to introduce the topic of diversity and an excellent means for students to get acquainted. The teacher creates a list of five questions. Examples could include the country or state you were born, hobbies and career plans. Each student is given a construction paper star and is asked to write his name in the center. Each point of the star represents one of the predetermined questions. The students write the answer to each category on the points of the star. Once completed, the class compare their answers and discuss their similarities and differences. The answers may be used to prompt further discussion regarding potential problems that may be caused by their differences. The exercise will give the students the tools to develop a working definition of diversity as it pertains to their class.
Stereotypes
This activity explores the danger of stereotyping. Each student is given a sheet of paper with eight to ten various roles printed on it. Students are then asked to write the first thing they think of when they think of a person performing that role. Possible examples of roles could include: cheerleader, plumber, doctor and athlete. Make a list of the student’s responses for each role. Have the class discuss the accuracy of their list. When considering the definition of a stereotype, ask the students if their assumptions may contribute to a stereotype. Discuss the dangers of stereotyping as it relates to the students. For example, if a student believes only smart, blond-haired girls are cheerleaders she may not feel worthy to tryout for the squad.
Dr. Seuss
The wisdom of Dr. Seuss knows no age boundaries. This activity is appropriate for children of all ages. Have the class read “The Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss. After reading the book, the teacher divides the class into two groups. One group will be identified by wearing a green star. This group is given various class privileges for a day. The following day the roles are reversed and the second group are given stars and receive preferential treatment. Ask students to keep a journal describing how it felt to be empowered versus ignored. Make a list of suggestions for stopping discrimination in the school and challenge the students to put their list to practice.
Mix it Up Lunch Day
You may still remember the clique of friends you associated with at school. You may be drawn to that same group of people at class reunions. People tend to stay where they feel safest. Sadly, this trait denies you the opportunity to meet new people a make new friends. “Mix it up lunch day” is a school-wide project designed to encourage interaction with new people. Students are assigned a lunch table with students of different ages and outside of their normal group of friends. Cards with conversation prompts are placed on the table and the students are encouraged to talk with each other. After lunch, students are asked to reflect on the experience by writing about the lunch.
“Building Community and Combating Hate”, Partners Against Hate
“Anti-Racism Activity: The Sneetches”, Teaching Tolerance
“Middle School Diversity”, McDonogh School