2SLGBTQIA+

2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (Manitoba resource)

Topic: Gender Identity and Acceptance

This lesson addresses gender identity and acceptance, which is critical to recognize and understand in society today. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the themes of gender diversity, empathy, inclusivity, and the significance of challenging stereotypes.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including additional resources needed.

Reflection questions

1. How does the story make you feel? Explain.
2. Why do you think some of the other ducks in the story did not accept the “Sissy Duckling”?
3. How does the “Sissy Duckling’s” family support and accept them?
4. Have you ever felt like you were different from others? How did that make you feel?
5. What can we learn from Sissy Duckling about accepting others who are different from us?

Source: The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. (2018). 2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans. The Sissy Duckling. Retrieved from https://www.mbteach.org/mtscms/index.php/portfolio/2stlgbqia-lesson-plans-2/.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topics: Kindness, love, and acceptance

This story and lesson plan teaches students to act with kindness, love, and acceptance. It also teaches students to be true to themselves and spread love. This lesson is designed to help learners recognize the importance of treating others with respect while also staying true to who they are.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

Other reflection questions are available within the lesson plan.

1. What did you learn from the story? Was there a lesson or a message?
2. Why is it important to be kind and accepting of others, even when they look or feel different?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). The Boy with the Rainbow Heart. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/boy-rainbow-heart-lesson-plans-grades-k-3.

PRISM Elementary Edition—Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities, The Alberta Teachers’ Association (Alberta resource)

Topic: Different families

In this lesson, students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of what defines a family. While families may have similarities and differences, they all possess their own distinct set of strengths that make them truly unique.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 41 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. What is a family? Who is in your family?
2. What makes your family special and unique?
3. What is your favourite thing about your family?
4. How can we be kind to all families, no matter how they look?

Source: The Alberta Teachers’ Association. (2016). Prism Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities for Elementary School. What Makes a Family? Retrieved from https://teachers.ab.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/PD-80-15cPrismToolkitBooklet_Web.pdf.

Ready, Set, Respect! Elementary Toolkit, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Negative impacts of gender stereotyping

This lesson addresses gender stereotyping and its negative impacts. By exploring the ways in which these harmful beliefs can limit our understanding of gender and perpetuate harmful biases, students will gain a better understanding of how to combat these damaging attitudes and promote a more inclusive and equitable world.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 40 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. What are some things only boys can do? What are some things only girls can do?
2. Have you been told some toys or games are only for boys or only for girls? How did that make you feel?
3. How can we be kind and respectful to others, no matter what they like or how they look?
4. Is there something that you have always wanted to play with but are not allowed to?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). (2016). Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary School Toolkit. That’s Just for… Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/ready-set-respect-elementary-toolkit.

Ready, Set, Respect! Elementary Toolkit, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Impact of gender stereotypes

The objective of this lesson is to cultivate students’ understanding of the consequences of gender stereotypes and equip them with the skills to defend and advocate for a friend who experiences derogatory name-calling based on these stereotypes.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 42 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. What are your favourite toys or activities? Do you think boys and girls can play with them too?
2. Have you ever seen anyone being treated differently because of their gender? How did that make you feel?
3. What are some things you can say or do to show support and kindness to your friends, even if they like different things than you?
4. How can you help when you see someone being bullied or called hurtful names?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). (2016). Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary School Toolkit. Such a Tomboy. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/ready-set-respect-elementary-toolkit.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Pronouns

This lesson provides students with an understanding of the importance of pronouns, their usage, and their relevance. They will learn that pronouns are closely linked to gender identity and that every individual has the right to choose their pronouns.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Why is it importance to respect and use the pronouns that someone else chooses?
2. Do you have questions on pronouns and why they are important?
3. How does it feel when someone calls you by the wrong name or pronoun?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Pronouns: Little Words That Make A Big Difference. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-little-words-make-big-difference.

2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (Manitoba resource)

Topic: Identity

This lesson plan teaches pride and encourages students to embrace their unique identities and perspectives, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. By doing so, it creates a more inclusive and accepting learning environment that benefits everyone.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

The reflection questions are available within the lesson plan.

Source: The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. (2022). 2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans. 2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans. Identity. Retrieved from https://www.mbteach.org/mtscms/index.php/portfolio/2stlgbqia-lesson-plans-2/.

PRISM Elementary Edition—Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities, The Alberta Teachers’ Association (Alberta resource)

Topic: Gender Stereotypes

Throughout this lesson, students will examine the intricate and complex ways in which our conceptions regarding gender are formed. By the end of this lesson, students will have a deeper appreciation for the ways in which gender impacts their daily lives, and the tools to challenge and reframe harmful gender stereotypes.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 54 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Have you ever felt you could not do something because you were a “boy” or “girl”? What is it?
2. How do you feel when someone tells you that you cannot do or like something because of your gender?
3. Why is it important for everyone to have freedom to express themselves, regardless of their gender?

Source: The Alberta Teachers’ Association. (2016). Prism Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities for Elementary School. Exploring Gender Stereotypes. Retrieved from https://teachers.ab.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/PD-80-15cPrismToolkitBooklet_Web.pdf.

PRISM Elementary Edition—Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities, The Alberta Teachers’ Association (Alberta resource)

Topic: Language regarding sexuality and gender

This lesson explores language regarding sexuality and gender. It explains how the words we use can have an impact on how we perceive ourselves and others, and how they can shape our understanding of the world around us.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 61 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

The reflection questions are available within the lesson plan.

Source: The Alberta Teachers’ Association. (2016). Prism Toolkit for Safe and Caring Discussions About Sexual and Gender Minorities for Elementary School. It’s All in the Message! Retrieved from https://teachers.ab.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/PD-80-15cPrismToolkitBooklet_Web.pdf.

Ready, Set, Respect! Elementary Toolkit, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Messages related to gender roles and expectations

The purpose of this lesson is to assist students in recognizing gender-based messages and expectations that we encounter. By completing this lesson, students will acquire a skillset for identifying and detecting these messages and developing tactics for avoiding their influence.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 44 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Have you ever seen or heard advertisements or shows that tell boys or girls how to act or what to like?
2. Why do you think it is important to think about messaging and not let messages define who we are or what we like?
3. Do you have suggestions on how we can educate others about the importance of not being influenced by what they hear or see, especially gender-based messaging?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). (2016). Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary School Toolkit. Let’s Go Shopping. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/ready-set-respect-elementary-toolkit.

Ready, Set, Respect! Elementary Toolkit, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Gender and Gender Roles

The objective of this lesson is to instill in students the practice of questioning both their own and others’ preconceived notions regarding gender and the stereotypical gender roles that exist. By the end, they will be able to differentiate between generalizations and stereotypes.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 48 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Have you noticed that some people think boys and girls should act a certain way? What examples can you think of?
2. How can you encourage someone to embrace their interest and hobbies even when these do not align with traditional gender roles?
3. How can you challenge the idea that different hobbies/activities/jobs are only meant for boys and girls?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). (2016). Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary School Toolkit. What are little boys and girls made of?  Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/ready-set-respect-elementary-toolkit.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Gender Identity and Gender Expression

Whether the students identify as male, female, non-binary, queer, or any other identity, this lesson plan is designed to help them recognize and celebrate their unique identities, build self-esteem, and develop the skills needed to succeed and thrive.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. What does it mean to have pride in who you are?
2. Why is it important for everyone to feel proud of themselves, including their gender identity?
3. What are some ways to encourage someone to feel proud about themselves?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Identity Flowers. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/activity/identity-lesson-grades-3-5.

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) (US resource)

Topic: Assumptions

Through this lesson, students can learn what it’s like to carry unfavourable labels and develop empathy for people who are labeled by others, even when they don’t apply to them.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Think about the media and popular culture. How are certain groups of people portrayed through stereotypes and assumptions?
   • How would you feel if you were in their shoes? Why?
   • How can you challenge those stereotypes or assumptions?

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Challenging Assumptions. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/NNCW-Challenging-Assumptions.pdf.

2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (Manitoba resource)

Topic: Pride

Students will learn the history of pride, pride as a celebration and as a protest, and pride events around the world.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Reflect on the history of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement and the events that led to the establishment of Pride. How does learning about this history change your understanding of the challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
2. Consider some challenges that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community still face today. How can we work towards creating a society free from discrimination?

Source: The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. (2018). 2STLGBQIA+ Lesson Plans. History of Pride. Retrieved from https://www.mbteach.org/mtscms/index.php/portfolio/2stlgbqia-lesson-plans-2/.

Information & Resources for Educators, New Brunswick LGBTQ Inclusive Education Resource (New Brunswick resource)

Topic: Gender Bias

During novel studies or literature circles, students can apply this checklist. It will assist students in identifying gender prejudice and stereotyping in the books they are reading. The language in this checklist has been simplified and is written at a high school level, but it can still be readily modified for intermediate students.

Review the lesson plan activity on page 312 of the PDF document for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Were there instances where you noticed gender bias or stereotypes in the way the characters were portrayed? How did these portrayals affect your understanding of gender roles and expectations?
2. Gender bias can be shown in novels through dialogue, plotlines, and character descriptions. How can authors be mindful of avoiding stereotypes and promoting gender equity through storytelling?

Source: New Brunswick LGBTQ Inclusive Education Resource. Information & Resources for Educators. Examining Novels for Gender Bias. Retrieved from https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/K12/LGBTQ/5-InformationAndResourcesForEducatorsK-12.pdf.

Canada C3 Digital Classroom Learning Module (Canadian Resource)

Topics: Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion

This lesson seeks to give students an overview of the Two-Spirit people’s history in Indigenous cultures. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the concept of Two-Spirit identification and provide instances of both historical and contemporary Two-Spirit groups. This lesson will also encourage students to talk about the challenges and difficulties that Two-Spirit peoples encounter, as well as the reasons behind those challenges.

Review the lesson plan activity for more information and instructions, including materials needed.

Reflection questions

1. Think back on what you have learned about Two-Spirit peoples and their history. How does this knowledge challenge or expand your understanding of gender and identity?
2. Think about the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, including the suppression of Two-Spirit identities. How does recognizing and honouring Two-Spirit traditions contribute to reconciliation efforts?
3. How can we honour and respect the diverse traditions and teachings of Two-Spirit peoples?

Source: Canada C3 Coast to Coast to Coast. Canada C3 Digital Classroom Learning Module. Two-Spirit Peoples and Reconciliation. Retrieved from https://canadac3.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Stevens-Aaron.-Canada-C3-Learning-Module-Two-Spirit-Peoples-and-Reconciliation-Proof.pdf.