Culture Lesson: Cultural Norms and Avoiding Stereotypes Worksheets

Do you want your students in grades 5-7 to learn how to become global citizens who can respect a variety of cultural norms and comprehend cross-cultural differences? Are you looking for a fun way to bring all of these ideas to life? Check out this ready-to-go lesson for your class.

This 5-Page PDF is ready to print for your social studies classroom. It includes clear teacher instructions for a fun class simulation where half of your students will act out a new "class norm" (five options are provided such as not raising your hand to ask a question) that the other half of your class won't be expecting.

While the simulation is happening, everyone will be working on a three page reading comprehension task. Students will read about cultural norms from around the world (slurping noodles when eating in Japan or nodding one's head to say "no" in Bulgaria). They will imagine how not knowing about the cultural norms in a place where they are travelling could lead to accidental misunderstandings. Students are also taught a simple definition of the concept of stereotypes, and they will think of how they are different from cultural norms.

Finally, there is a 1-page reflection with prompts- perfect for after a class discussion.

Teacher Instructions:

1. Split your class in two and talk to only one half.

2. Tell them that they will have a new “class cultural norm.” Pick one from the provided ideas.

3. When the whole class is reunited, pass out the reading page & worksheets. Students read about cultural norms and answer the questions.

4. As they work, the selected half will enact their new norm, which will confuse the other half of the class.

5. Once the point has been made, let the other half in on the secret.

6. Have a discussion about cultural norms and give students time to write a reflection about this lesson.