- Definition
A stereotype is an oversimplified and often untrue idea about a whole group of people, like saying all kids who wear glasses are smart, ignoring that everyone is an individual.
The belief that 'all boys are naturally better at soccer than all girls' is a stereotype.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A stereotype is like thinking everyone wearing the same team jersey is exactly the same player with the same skills.
Ask your child: What's one thing that makes you different from your teammates?
Common mix-up: Kids may think stereotypes are just harmless labels. A stereotype is an unfair and untrue idea about a whole group of people that ignores everyone's unique talents and feelings.
Examples
- Thinking someone can't be a good runner just because of their body type is a stereotype.
- Assuming a student who likes to dance won't be good at basketball is a stereotype.
stereotype is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
