Lesson: Preferred Pronouns
This lesson plan and accompanying activity are designed to be taught after showing the jsk stories gender equality presentation. Feel free to change, adjust, and customize these plans according to your classroom or circumstance. The lesson and activity go well together, but can be split into two days.
Concept 1 – We can give and receive respect.
- Discuss: Why is referring to someone as their preferred pronoun considered respectful?
- We all deserve to be heard, seen, and appreciated. Using the correct personal pronouns can achieve that respect people deserve.
- When we give that respect to others, we can also receive that same respect.
- Preferred pronouns are a part of our identity! Even if this topic is new, we can all appreciate and understand that our identities are personal and important.
Concept 2 – Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Discuss: When can I ask someone what their preferred pronouns are?
- We should never make assumptions about someone’s pronouns, which is why it’s important to ask respectfully if we don’t know. Saying things like, “Are you a boy or a girl?” would be considered disrespectful. A better example would be, “What do you prefer to go by, she/he/or they?” or “What are your preferred pronouns?” Asking in a respectful manner is always the best way to go!
- Sometimes stating our own pronouns in a social setting can spark others to do the same. If someone doesn’t share their preferred pronouns and you are unsure, you can always respectfully approach them privately and ask.
Concept 3 – It takes practice.
- Discuss: What if I accidentally say the wrong pronoun?
- We all make mistakes and no one is perfect! If you mistakenly refer to someone by the wrong pronoun, don’t worry! Simply correct yourself in the moment and apologize.
- Practice and correct yourself even when the person isn’t there. By doing this, you are being an example to others that pronouns are important and making sure to say the correct one is worth it.
- Just like if someone were to pronounce your name wrong, you can respectfully correct them if they get your pronoun wrong. Never show anger or hatred when correcting someone. You can even reassure the person that it takes practice. After all, no one is perfect!
Activity: Pronoun Desk Name Sign Museum
Materials needed:
- Cardstock (cut in half)
- Tape
- Art supplies (markers, crayons, or colored pencils)
Hand out one half of the cardstock to each student and have them do the following:
Take the cardstock and fold it in half. It should be able to stand up on the desk like a tent.
On one side of the cardstock write your name and your preferred pronoun.
Examples: Carlee (she/her) or Mack (they/them and he/him)
Using the art supplies of your choice, decorate your name sign however you want! Make sure it expresses your personality and who you are!
After the students are done decorating their name signs, have them keep them on their desks or wherever they are sitting. Play fun jazz music and have the students walk around the room and look at each other’s name signs as if it were a museum!