Heritage Middle School Scholars Look to Redefine the Phrase 鈥淟ike a Girl鈥�
Mr. Olsen's and Mrs. Victor’s 6th Grade English Class looks to redefine the phrase “like a girl.”
Last week, in Mr. Olsen’s and Mrs. Victor’s English class at Heritage Middle School, scholars had the chance to see a video produced by Always. The video by Always is
After watching the video, the class had the chance to share their thoughts on how we recognize and become cognizant of the phrase “like a girl." Mr. Olsen wanted the students to know that no matter if we are male or female, we should never let anyone place limits on our potential. Mr. Olsen wanted the kids to make sure they know that, especially our teen and preteen girls, need to be supported with confidence, not discouraged with negative stereotypes. Mr. Olsen explained multiple times that our words have an impact more powerful than we realize. We need to make sure we connect the phrase “like a girl” to a girl or woman who is crushing it or succeeding exceptionally. Mrs. Victor gave an ad-lib response to the video that literally received a round of applause. Her powerful message strongly resonated with the video’s lesson, reminding everyone, “I AM A GIRL and I am capable of anything!”
The class had conversations about limits (either intentionally or not ) we are placing on girls and women just by using the phrase “like a girl” to describe something not done wonderfully. The students agreed, we need to make an effort to connect the phrase to positive actions!
The students then had the opportunity to choose a girl or woman who is/has been doing amazing things! Mr. Olsen and Mrs. Victor gave them the choice to pick someone in their own lives that they have been impacted by or choose someone famous who has made a difference to them. Many students chose a family member, an activist, an athlete, or even a performer. My favorites were when a few students chose their mothers, famous scientists, their older sister, or athletes that “inspire like a girl”, “think like a girl”, or “play ball like a girl”.
From Students:
Sanai said, “I liked doing the project because it showed how I can express my feelings for my mom! Just because other people use 'like a girl' for something bad, we can change that and use it to make it a great thing!”
Jessica said, “I liked doing this project because we don’t get to celebrate females all that often; usually only on Mother’s Day. I was happy to do this project because I was able to choose my older sister, who is like a second mother to me.”
Bryan said, “I thought it was a good project because you get to express your feelings about who you think is important and what they did! I think that instead of using' like a girl' as an insult, we need to use it as a compliment!
Dylan said,“I chose Caitlyn Clark. I chose her because she is one of the best basketball players. I chose “Inspire like a girl” because she has inspired so many people (including me) with how great she is at basketball and being such a team player.
Story and photos provided by Mr. Michael Olsen.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We鈥檇 love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
