To Kill a Mockingbird: Introductory Shoe Activity “Exploring Stereotypes”

E N G L I S H 9 - M R S . B E N E D E T TO

• The following activity forces students to form stereotypes about the owners of each shoe. After they create their shoe owner “profiles,” we discuss not only they shoe owner stereotypes, but how we stereotype others in real life based on their appearances.

• The first chapter of the novel shows us how much Scout has stereotyped others: Southerners, Northerners, neighbors, African Americans, whites, and individuals like Boo Radley.

• I will remind students how damaging stereotypes can be as we read the novel.

Why this activity?

P R O C E D U R E :• 1- Students form small groups of three and create

profiles for the shoes posted around the room

• 2- Students present their profiles to the class

• 3- Follow-up discussion and hand out

• 4- Rubric and standards for group activity

3

W H A T A R E Y O U R E F L E C T I N G O N ?• Describe the shoe: look, feel, assumed size, wear, age,

etc.

• Describe the OWNER of the shoe (you make up who the owner is, SHOULD BE A FICTIONAL PERSON:

• Name, occupation, age, physical description, personality traits, hobbies, accomplishments, bad habits, favorite things to do in these shoes

• What do people say about this person?

• Why are these shoes perfect for this owner?4

S H O E # 1 :

5

S H O E # 2 :

6

S H O E # 3 :

7

S H O E # 4 :

8

S H O E # 5 :

9

S H O E # 6 :

10