Image Is Not Everything!!
By: Anna Page & Anne Younce
 
 
 
 
 
 

Introduction:
This lesson was designed to increase awareness of body images in the media.Ý It focuses on how society emphasizes the importance of appearing perfect.Ý Students need to understand that images can be altered before they see them in the media.Ý What appears to be the perfect image can merely be an image that never exists.
Audience:
This activity is generated towards fifth graders.Ý It is essential to make students aware that even though many things may seem picture perfect, image is not everything. Through the power of technology the media can create an image that "looks" real but with a little investigation it can be proven that the media creates an ideal that makes the consumer think a certain way.
Learner Characteristics:
onset of puberty
opposite gender recognition
students are able to analyze images and form an opinion
can express their opinion through poetry
Statement of Objectives:
Objective 1.3óThe learner will apply RESPONSE strategies to comprehend or convey experiences and information.
Objective 2.2óThe learner will analyze, synthesize, and organize information and discover related ideas, concepts, or generalizations.
Objective 3.1óThe learner will assess the validity and accuracy of information and ideas.
Objective 3.2óThe learner will determine the value of information and ideas.
Objective 3.3óThe learner will develop criteria and evaluate the quality, relevance, and importance of the information and ideas.
Objective 4.2óThe learner will respond to the personal, social, cultural, and historical significance of selections or personal experiences.
Objective 4.3óThe learner will respond critically and creatively to selections or personal experiences.
Language Art Competencies:
demonstrate skills in composing poetry
reading and analyzing poetry
connects information to their own personal experiences and opinions
Description of Activity:
1. The students will begin by analyzing different photos of some very famous people in a small group situation. Some of the photos wil be very flattering while some of the photos of the same person will be quite unattractive.
ÝÝÝ Ask:Ý How are these two images similiar / different?Ý Make a list of descriptions about the image
ÝÝÝ you and your partner have.Ý This list will come in handy for the next activity.
2. Partners in groups will write a descriptive poem on the image that they see, especially focusing on the usage of adjectives (make sure that both good and bad images are represented by a pair of students per group).Ý STRESS:Ý DO NOT USE THE PERSON'S NAME IN YOUR POEM!!
3. After writing the poem the groups will exchange their poems only, and attempt to match the poem to the corresponding image (you will need to display all the pictures somewhere in the front of the room).
4. Allow each pair, one at a time, to come up and try to decided which image matches the poem they have.Ý Then, allow them to read the poem and explain why they chose the image they did to match it.
ÝÝÝ Ask:Ý Why did you choose this one? How does the poem relate to the image?
5.Ý Finally, summarize the session with discussing how images are altered, and why?Ý Allow the students to express their feelings about society's portrayal, and the stresses they put on young people to have 'perfect bodies'.Ý Also, discuss the negative effects this leads to like eating disorders, low self-esteem, and even suicide.Ý Brainstorm ways that they can change this for the next generation, and themselves (like having more realistic models, and knowing the limitations of dieting).
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Links:
Kids' Corner
The Center for Media Literacy
Federico Santi's Images
Body Image Opinions
About Face