Breaking the Cycle
Source used to build lesson: Schooled on Fat: What Teens tell us about Gender, Body Image, adn Obesity
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It provides insight on the mindset of a teen and ways to overcome it.
Learning Goals:
-For students to understand that they are not alone in facing insecurities, fears, and challenges.
-Help identify and eliminate barriers between people who are different.
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Focus of the class
-Unobtainable body standards.
Student Take-Away
- People think others are beautiful for superficial things and people notice the real things about us just as much.
Key points:
-Build self-esteem among students.
-Create a safe space for students to discuss their concerns.
-Transition from talking about unobtainable body standards to embracing ones flaws.
References:
-Taylor, N. (2015). Schooled on Fat: What Teens Tell Us about Gender, Body Image, and Obesity. London, UNITED KINGDOM: Routledge. Retrieved from http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/washington/detail.action?docID=4218317
Crossing Over Activity
Purpose
-This activity provides for transition from talking about the negatives, the media, problems and feelings we have that are bad, and then transitioning to where we set a positive mindset, focus on the good and build up some self-esteem.
Materials needed (If Applicable):
-Tape
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Step 1:
-Instruct students to gather on one side of the line and cross over it when they identify or agree with the statement. This exercise is to be done in COMPLETE SILENCE.Once over the line, they can raise their hand if they agree. The point of this activity is to show at the very beginning of the evening all the different thoughts and feelings they have in common with one another. Put a line of tape down the room (or a string). Tell participants that once they are over the line they stay there until part 2 begins.
Step 2:
-Cross the line if:
… you have stared at the models in the ads in a magazine rather than the product advertised
… there is a particular facial feature you wish you could change
… you wish you had bigger breasts
… you hate your thighs
… you wish you had a flatter stomach
… you have been depressed about your reflection
… you have denied yourself something that makes you happy because of the way it will affect your body
Step 3:
-Cross the line back if:
… you have a pair of shoes that makes you happy
… you think you’re gorgeous when you’re laughing
… you have beautiful eyelashes
… you have a dress that looks amazing on you
… someone has flirted with you
… you have good hair days
… people always tell you that you smell good
… you enjoy getting dolled up
… there are days you know you deserve a piece of chocolate cake
… you love wearing dangly earrings
Discussion:
-How did you feel when crossing over the first time?
-Which statements were challenging to pick a side for? (if any)
-Were there times when you just went with the flow instead of going with how you really felt? If you’re comfortable sharing, which statements were they?
-How did you feel when there were lots of people on your side of the line? How about when there were very few people on your side of the line?
-What do you think the purpose of this activity was?
-As you wrap up remind students that people who share the same ideas as you are a lot closer than they think.it is important for them to embrace who they truly are and that no one is perfect. Also that it is important for them to embrace who they truly are and that no one is perfect​