Lesson 1
Stereotypes: We are not all the same!

1. Overview
1.	Introductions
2.	General information/discussion about the program
3.	Stereotypes: what are they? 
4.	Identifying stereotypes 
5.	Class discussion

2. Activities

Identifying stereotypes

This activity will involve:
1.	Getting into small groups (3-4 people)
2.	Your group will be given: magazines, glue, scissors, textas, paper
3.	Your group will be given one of three stereotypes to investigate:
a.	Men – how they look, behave, what they do
b.	Women – how they look, behave, what they do
c.	Lifestyle – what we need to have/do to be cool
4.	With the stereotype your group has been given
a.	Brainstorm and write a list of words that describes your group’s stereotype (e.g., males = strong, not emotional etc.)
b.	Look for advertisements that show how your stereotype is shown in the media.
c.	If there is time, with the ads you have stuck on your paper, draw a speech bubble from the model’s mouth and write a comment that ‘pays out’/ contradicts the stereotype.
5.	Each group will share their list of words and poster with the class.  

3. Class Discussion

Do you think the stereotypes in our society are fair or unfair? Why?

Can you think of any famous people who do not fit these stereotypes?

How does advertising change the way we think about men and women in Australia?

Lesson 1 Take Home Message
Stereotypes of how we should look and live are unfair.  We don’t have to conform to these stereotypes.  We are all different and that’s a good thing.  Be yourself!