What is Ageism?

Overview:

In this lesson, students will analyze their thoughts and feelings to see if they currently hold any biases toward people of different ages. They will then explore the experiences of people who have faced discrimination because of their age. Finally, students will reflect on ageism.

Framework
Ageism can be defined as making a judgment about a person simply based on age. For example, some adults always speak in a condescending tone to small children; these adults may hold an ageist attitude, assuming that younger kids can’t understand anything beyond baby talk. Another common instance of ageism is in the case of older adults or senior citizens, when they are portrayed in the media as being feeble or weak-minded.

Additional Resources
[1]

U.S. Department of Labor: Equal Employment Opportunity [1]

The International Longevity Center-USA Report Ageism in America [2]

ELEMENTARY GRADES [3] (3-5)

MIDDLE SCHOOL [4] (6-8)

HIGH SCHOOL [5] (9-12)

Standards [6]
Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards (McREL 4th edition [6])

Language Arts
Standard 8: Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes

Civics
Standard 9: Understands the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, beliefs, and principles of American constitutional democracy

Standard 11: Understands the role of diversity in American life and the importance of shared values, political beliefs, and civic beliefs in an increasingly diverse American society

Standard 24: Understands the meaning of citizenship in the United States, and knows the requirements for citizenship and naturalization

Standard 25: Understands issues regarding personal, political, and economic rights

United States History
Standard 31: Understands economic, social, and cultural developments in the contemporary United States