There is no doubt that modern lifestyle changes have contributed to the problems of overweight and obesity among adults and children. Some school health and physical education programs are tackling the challenge of integrating healthier eating and regular exercise into the lives of students. But what about the social challenges that face children who are overweight? And how do media messages reinforce the bias they already experience among many of their peers? In these lessons, students will evaluate both their own biases related to size differences and the ways in which media shape those biases.
Professional Development
Studies show that school environments are the most common settings for teasing, harassment and bullying of children who are overweight. For guidance on what educators can do about size discrimination in their classrooms, read "Understanding Size Bias."
Standards
Activities and the embedded assessments address the following standards (McREL 4th Edition):
Language Arts
Standard 1. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process
Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 5. Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
Standard 6. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Standard 9. Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media
Standard 10. Understands the characteristics and components of the media.
Health
Standard 2. Knows environmental and external factors that affect individual and community health.
Civics
Standard 28. Understands how participation in civic and political life can help citizens attain individual and public goals
Thinking and Reasoning
Standard 1. Understands and applies the basic principles of presenting an argument
Standard 3. Effectively uses mental processes that are based on identifying similarities and differences
Working with Others
Standard 1. Contributes to the overall effect of a group
Standard 4. Displays effective interpersonal communication skills
Physical Education
Standard 3. Understands the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
Standard 5. Understands the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity
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