No Thank You Awards

What is it all about?

Use an award ceremony format to support students in analyzing the influence of media on perpetuating negative images and messages and in becoming advocates for change to promote healthy relationship behaviours and attitudes. This activity may be used during or at the end of a unit of learning.

Curriculum Connections

Grade 9: C1.5, C2.2, C2.3

Grade 10: C2.5, C3.4, C3.6

How is it done?

• Have students work in small groups to identify a sample of a specific movie, television show, commercial, music video, or song that they think communicates a negative image and/or message to its audience about relationships, stereotypes, or sexual health and sexuality.
• Have groups analyze the media sample and messages to determine how these contribute to gender norms, stereotypes, unhealthy relationship behaviours and attitudes and biases towards others.
• Have students generate ideas about how the media samples and messages could be changed to be positive, inclusive, and affirming.
• Have groups each create a “No Thank You” speech about why they will not present an award to their chosen media sample and what they would expect to see changed in order for their chosen media sample to be considered for a “Yes, We Applaud You” award.
• Hold the award ceremony in class, having each group show a clip from their selected media and present their No Thank You speech.
• Facilitate a group debriefing session. Have the students reflect on what they learned, their and others’ reaction to the work of their peers, and what the group as a whole can take away from the session.

What may be needed?

• Media samples for students to view and critique as a class (for example, clips from specific movies, television shows, commercials, music videos, or songs)
• Technology for students to show their media during the awards ceremony

Opportunities for assessment

• Observe the small group conversations to assess students’ application of critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Use the small group analysis and awards ceremony to assess students’ understanding of the influence of media and strategies to advocate for eliminating unhealthy behaviours and attitudes and of strategies for change.

Ideas for Extension

• Extend the awards ceremony by creating two categories: “No Thank You” and “Yes, We Applaud You”.
• Have groups also select a media sample that conveys positive messages and create a speech to present for a “Yes, We Applaud You” in addition to a “No Thank You” award.

Educator notes

• Encourage students to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills for complex and multifaceted issues. Such skills include questioning, predicting, analysing, synthesizing, examining opinions, identifying values and issues, detecting bias, and distinguishing between alternatives to make a judgement or guide decision making.
• Encourage reflection on how media has shaped students’ own views and values.