What’s so bad about “That’s so gay”? (Learning For Justice)
SEL Domain: Empathy
Grade(s):6-8
Description
Almost every teacher has heard students use the expression, “that’s so gay” as a way of putting down or insulting someone (or to describe something). These lessons will help students examine how inappropriate language can hurt, and will help them think of ways to end this kind of name-calling.
Objectives
Activities will help students:
explore how the phrase “that’s so gay” is hurtful to students
begin to understand and express their opinions, verbally and in writing, about how language can be used in bullying
write letters expressing their viewpoints about bullying in schools
Essential Questions
Why do students use language such as “that’s so gay”? What is the impact this kind of hurtful language will have on others?
How can we prevent the use of language such as “that’s so gay,” used to tease and bully?
How can we use writing as a means of expressing our opinions about bullying and other important social issues?
Materials
chart paper
markers
