About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
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a compelling and timely question;
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related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
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extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
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student graphic organizers;
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a simple debate tool;
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a teacher's guide to the module;
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and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should school districts ban Native American imagery, names, and mascots? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
In 2005, the NCAA asked its member colleges and universities to self-evaluate their mascots and team names in accordance with the organization's policy that its member schools compete with an "atmosphere of respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person". As a result of the survey, 19 teams were cited as having "potentially hostile or abusive" names, images, or mascots. With the Washington football team removing its mascot, more schools around the United States are reassessing the names printed on their jerseys, sweatshirts, gym floors, and fields. Should school districts ban Native American imagery, team names, and mascots?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
