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Defining Respect

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Media / Technology
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Prejudice
Stereotypes
Racism
Respect

Learners define respect and explore the meaning of self-respect and respect for others. They explore the relationships between respect and prejudice, bias, racism and stereotype.  

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • define respect (self-respect, respect for others).
  • describe why bias, prejudice, stereotype, and racism are not examples of respect.
Home Connection 

Have the learners ask their family members to share with them examples of bias, racism, prejudice or stereotype they may have experienced or that they have learned about from history.

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set

    Ask the youth playfully if any of the young people can curl their tongues. (This is a genetic trait that only some people exhibit.) When some can do this, let them know you respect their ability. Allow others to share their unique abilities and share their respect for one another's mini-talents. They don't have the same characteristics, and they can respect each other's uniqueness.

  2. Talk about the word respect [showing regard or esteem for]. Tell the learners that respect can apply to one's self (self-respect) and can apply to others.

  3. Draw a T-chart and label the two sides: "Looks Like" and "Does Not Look Like." Brainstorm words and phrases to fill the chart and discuss examples and non-examples of respect and self-respect. 

  4. Add the following words to the non-example side of the chart and define them:  bias [prejudice toward a preference, usually unfair], prejudice [preconceived judgment], stereotype [a simplified opinion based on little evidence], and racism [belief that racial differences determine superiority].

  5. Working in small groups, the learners look up definitions for any new words. They discuss how the words relate to the concept of respect. They prepare brief "mini-presentations" to creatively share with the larger group how respectful behavior and attitudes look toward self and others in contrast to the non-examples.

  6. Each group shares their mini-presentations with the whole group.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
  2. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify and give examples of stewardship in cultural traditions around the world.