Year 10

Lesson 1: Introducing the topic

We Are Learning Today: To identify phrases that we say, such as thats so gay, that are
used out of context and with a negative connotation. We are also learning the traditional
definitions of these words to compare with the meanings we give to them.
What Im Looking For: Student identification of words and phrases we use to negatively
describe things that dont align with the traditional meaning of the word
This Is Because: We need to acknowledge that some phrases that we use out of context can
unintentionally be hurtful to people who identify with that word.
Extensions: Researching definitions for other terms and phrases we tend to use with a
negative connotation

Lesson Activities Start Duration Time

Introduction Write Thats so gay! on whiteboard 9.58am 2 mins 10.00am
prior to students arriving.

Ask students for brainstorm: when

do you say this? 10.00am 5 mins 10.05am
Write answers on white board

So when (example) happens, we

say thats so gay what does gay 10.05am 3 mins 10.08am
really mean?
Partner brainstorm, come up with
definition

Share definitions as a class

Discussion: we know the 10.08am 10 mins 10.18am
traditional meaning, why do we
associate these (examples) bad
things with the word gay?
What other words could we
associate this (example) with?
Activities Brainstorm: 10.18am 5 mins 10.23am
What are other similar words or
phrases that we attach a negative
connotation to?

Divide class as per answers from 10.23am 15 mins 10.38am

brainstorm, students to each
research traditional definitions
(research others if they finish theirs
early)

10.38am 10 mins 10.48am

 Share definitions of different
examples from brainstorm
What are other words could we
associate these (examples) with?
Conclusion Question: How do these negative 10.48am 7 mins 10.55am
connotations make you feel?
Good/Bad/Impartial?
What about somebody who was
gay? Think, pair, share

Briefly discuss what the research 10.55am 5 mins 11.00am

task will be, encourage students to
listen for phrases between lessons.
*Ensure students know about
appropriate counselling services etc.
in case content has triggered
anything