This lesson is most effective if students have already begun exploring social justice issues like racism or gender stereotypes. Creating these “paper plate portraits” is a powerful, concrete and hands-on learning activity that encourages students to reflect on prejudice. It also helps them see how multifaceted they are as individuals (thinking about their “outside” versus “inside” selves). The lesson helps students to better understand the complex, pervasive issues related to prejudice and stereotypes, revealing why it is important that we all challenge biased assumptions.
