What is Beautiful? Different Ideas Around the World
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about beauty.
- Talk about what is considered beautiful in different places.
- Read about beauty around the world.
- Listen to people talk about their experiences with beauty standards.
- Write about how beauty standards affect people.
Key Words:
- Beauty: Something that looks very nice or pleasing.
- Standards: What people think is normal or good.
- Beauty Standards: Ideas about what is beautiful for bodies, faces, hair, etc.
- Culture: A group of people with shared ideas and traditions.
- Self-esteem: How you feel about yourself.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What do you think is beautiful? What makes someone or something beautiful?
- Do you think beauty standards are the same everywhere? What are some different beauty standards you know about?
- Have you ever felt pressure to look a certain way because of beauty standards? How did it make you feel?
Let’s Read!
In some places, people with long necks are considered the most beautiful. In other places, strong muscles are seen as attractive. But these are just a few examples. Beauty standards are different all around the world!
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays short clips of people from different cultures talking about beauty standards in their countries.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a model. The other is a reporter. The reporter asks the model questions about beauty standards and how they affect people.
Example:
- Reporter: “What are some of the pressures you face as a model to look a certain way?”
- Model: “There’s a lot of pressure to be thin and have perfect skin. It’s not always easy.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about how beauty standards in your culture have changed over time. Are there any good or bad things about these changes?
Extra Fun:
Look online for pictures of people considered beautiful in different countries or cultures. Make a collage of the pictures and talk about what you see.
