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      Understanding gender stereotypes

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe what gender stereotypes are and explain why they are harmful.

      Key learning points

      1. Our gender has a significant impact on our life.
      2. Stereotypes are assumptions made about another person, which are often wrong.
      3. Stereotypes do not give a full picture of a person.
      4. Stereotypes can be harmful.
      5. Stereotypes limit what we imagine is possible.

      Keywords

      • Assumption - a feeling or belief about something or someone which is not based on evidence

      • Stereotype - an unfair belief about someone based on their characteristics

      • Harmful - something that can hurt you or others or make you feel bad

      Common misconception

      There are some jobs and careers that only males can do properly.

      Males and females can do a range of different jobs and careers.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to consult your RSHE or DSL lead before teaching this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each word with its definition.

      Correct Answer:respect,treating others kindly by valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries

      treating others kindly by valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries

      Correct Answer:compromise,an agreement where all people are happy

      an agreement where all people are happy

      Correct Answer:unique,being one of a kind or different from others

      being one of a kind or different from others

      Q2.
      What is a boundary?

      giving someone a compliment
      when people disagree and give reasons why they think their idea is correct
      Correct answer: an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow
      controlling someone else's behaviour when it does not directly affect us

      Q3.
      Match the statements with whether they are true or false.

      Correct Answer:Only some people are unique.,false

      false

      Correct Answer:Humans are more similar than different.,true

      true

      Correct Answer:Being different is not a bad thing.,true

      true

      Correct Answer:It's ok to treat people unfairly.,false

      false

      Q4.
      We can things when people have different ideas to ourselves.

      Correct Answer: learn, find out

      Q5.
      How can we make others feel welcome in class?

      Correct answer: accept people for who they are
      ignore bullying
      Correct answer: support victims of bullying
      Correct answer: make friends with different people
      only make friends with people similar to us

      Q6.
      Which word is missing? Bullying can take the form of physical, emotional or unkindness.

      silent
      family
      friendship
      Correct answer: discriminatory

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with their definition.

      Correct Answer:harmful,something that can hurt you or others or make you feel bad

      something that can hurt you or others or make you feel bad

      Correct Answer:assumption,a belief about something or someone which is not based on evidence

      a belief about something or someone which is not based on evidence

      Correct Answer:stereotype,an unfair belief about someone based on their characteristics

      an unfair belief about someone based on their characteristics

      Q2.
      Which statements are true?

      There are some jobs and careers that only males can do properly.
      Correct answer: Males and females can do a range of different jobs and careers.
      Correct answer: Stereotypes do not give a full picture of a person.
      Stereotypes are assumptions made about another person that are usually correct.

      Q3.
      Stereotypes can be , for example, if they make someone feel bad about who they are.

      Correct Answer: harmful, bad, hurtful

      Q4.
      Which are examples of a gender stereotype?

      Correct answer: Dancing is only for girls.
      Sport is for everyone.
      Correct answer: Boys should only have short hair.
      Some girls are great at maths.

      Q5.
      Which statements are true and which are false?

      Correct Answer:only girls can cry,false

      false

      Correct Answer:only girls can like art,false

      false

      Correct Answer:only boys can play basketball,false

      false

      Correct Answer:only boys can be pilots,false

      false

      Correct Answer:anyone can be a plumber,true

      true

      Correct Answer:anyone can be a beautician,true

      true


      To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Understanding gender stereotypes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...