Activity 8 - Changing labels

Aim

Students learn how the words we use to describe people with learning disabilities become terms of abuse.

NB teachers

Make sure you are prepared. Make it clear to students not to use negative language and why. If there are students in your class with the impairments described, please pre-prepare them.

• Staff resources for discussion on disablist language
• More detailed staff guidance on tackling language based disablist bullying

Curriculum area(s)

• Years 5 and 6 and Years 7-11, under tight class rules
  • PHSE anti-bullying work

Suitable for adults with learning disabilities?

Yes

Learning outcome(s)

Students are aware of their own use and experience of derogatory terms.

Time required

30 minutes

Resources

• Activity 8/Resource 1 - Changing labels table

Activity

1. Hand out or read the list of terms in the table. Explain their origins.
2. Conduct a survey (columns 4, 5 and 6 in the table):
   1. Which of these words have you heard of?
   2. Which of these words have you used?
   3. Which of these words have been used about you?
3. Discussion: Why do you think terms used to label people with learning disabilities become terms of insult?

Ideas for follow up

What can you do to challenge name-calling and bullying?

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