What are Microaggressions and how can we stop them?

Micro = Small

Agressions = negative words or actions

What are Microaggressions?

Small things can make a

BIG IMPACT

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Microaggressions are small, repeated insults that make people feel worse and worse over time

Examples of Microaggressions you may see at school

Words

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Name-calling

Making fun of someone’s hair, skin, clothes, shoes, lunch

Making someone feel bad for being different than you

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Actions

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Examples of Microaggressions you may see at school

Words

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Name-calling

Making fun of someone’s hair, skin, clothes, shoes, lunch

Making someone feel bad for being different than you

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Actions

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These are NOT OK at school

Why are Microaggressions so hurtful?

Microaggressions are like mosquito bites!

One is not so bad, but a lot makes you miserable!!

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Partner Share

How are microaggressions like mosquito bites?

How are microaggressions like a grain of sand? How are microaggressions like paper cuts?

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Can anyone come up with another creative examples of what microaggressions are like?

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Activity

As we are getting to know our new classmates we may ask a lot of questions. Sort the questions into OK and NOT OK

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Example

OK: What is your favorite TV Show?

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NOT OK: Why do you have bumps on your face?

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How to STOP a Microaggression

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1. Ask to clarify: “What did you mean by that?”
2. Call it what it is: “That was hurtful” or “I didn’t find that joke funny at all”
3. Use an “I statement”: “I felt super uncomfortable when you made that comment”
4. Tell an adult: One microaggression may feel small, but they can add and add and add to make you feel terrible

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Try Micro-affirmations instead!!

Words

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Give compliments!

Appreciate others when they do something kind, brave, or helpful

Celebrate the ways we are different!

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Actions

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To end our lesson:

Walk around and find 3 people to give a compliment or affirmation to!

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Books about Microaggressions

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