What Are Stereotypes? – PSHE / SEL 2-Week Lesson Pack (Primary)

What Are Stereotypes? – PSHE / SEL 2-Week Lesson Pack (Primary)
Critical Thinking | Assumptions | Fairness | Challenging Generalisations
This engaging 2-week unit helps pupils understand what stereotypes are, how they form and why they can be harmful. Through sorting activities, media analysis, guided discussions and myth-busting tasks, children learn to recognise assumptions, think critically and challenge unfair generalisations in a respectful, age-appropriate way.

What’s Included
Understanding Stereotypes
Stereotype sorting games
“Assumption vs Fact” activities
Media analysis using children’s books and advertisements
Group discussions exploring assumptions
Identifying stereotypes in everyday examples
Challenging Stereotypes
Myth-busting and stereotype-breaking tasks
“Reality vs Stereotype” comparison charts
Guided critical-thinking questions
Fairness-focused classroom discussions
Creating anti-stereotype statements

Resources Provided
Advertisement examples
Children’s book suggestions
Printable stereotype cards
Comparison chart templates
Discussion-circle prompts
Teacher guidance for safe, sensitive facilitation

Skills Developed
Critical thinking
Bias awareness
Recognising assumptions
Understanding fairness and respect
Challenging generalisations
Awareness of social impact

Key Vocabulary
stereotype, assumption, generalisation, bias, prejudice, fairness
Rules & Safety Notes
Clear expectations for respectful discussion
No personal examples or targeting of classmates
Focus on ideas and behaviours, not individuals
Supportive and inclusive classroom environment