Lesson Plans - Body Image

Curriculum Supports

Online Lesson Plans
Background Information
Community Programs

Online Lesson Plans

Beyond Images: A Self Esteem and Body Image Curriculum - Grades 4-8
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) and Dove Self Esteem Fund, in partnership with The Director’s Cut
Students learn how media messages are constructed and how to make their own messages. Exploration of current concepts of male and female beauty and what it means to fit in. Request free curriculum lesson plans from NEDIC.

An optional film-making workshop can be arranged through The Director’s Cut to supplement this media awareness curriculum. Fee involved.

Mission Nutrition - Grades K - 8
Dietitians of Canada & Kellogg Canada
Available in both English and French, "Mission Nutrition" offers lesson plans and activities specific to self-esteem and body image, as well as healthy eating and physical activity lessons.

More to Me…Than What You See: Facilitator’s Guide - Girls in Grades 4-6
Halton Region Social & Community Services Department
Children’s Health Services
A health promotion program to help girls develop healthy body image and self-esteem. PDF file available for downloading. Includes lesson plans and resources.

Power to Explore - Grades 4 - 6
Dairy Farmers of Canada (Ontario)
Grade 6 program includes a focus on body image and self-esteem and features a four-episode DVD with students sharing their personal insights. (Free teacher workshops can be arranged for a minimum of 15 teachers).

QuEST for Health Program - Grades 6 - 8 and Grades 9 - adult
Sheena's Place
Activities and lesson plans promote choices to improve body image, self-esteem and well-being with the aim of preventing eating disorders. (Online registration required to give access to free program).

Self-Esteem Workshop Guide for Teachers – Grades 6-9
Dove Self Esteem Fund
Designed to help young people (boys and girls) build body confidence by understanding and dealing with feelings about physical appearance.

The Student Body: Promoting Health at Any Size - Grades 4 - 6
Drs. Gail McVey & Joanne Gusella; Hospital for Sick Children, 2006
Teacher-learning modules use animation and video clips to highlight common problem scenarios. Also includes corresponding classroom activities and parent handouts.

Topics include:

• Media and peer pressure
• Healthy eating
• Active living
• Teasing
• Adult role models
• School climate

Background Information

Childhood Obesity Prevention Website
Region of Peel - Public Health
Information and resources to help raise healthy children who eat well, enjoy being active and feel good about themselves. Also offers ideas and tips for adult's to role model these behaviours.

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
Offers information and resources on eating disorders and weight preoccupation, self esteem and body image. Connection to treatment services, resources and support groups across Canada.

Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University
Mandate includes increasing awareness about weight bias and discrimination so prevalent in our society, with the goal of changing attitudes and behavior. Online videos and resources are available.

Community Programs

School based seven week mentoring programs for adolescents in Grades 6, 7, 8. Developed by OPHEA and offered by Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peel.

1. Go Girls!
   Encourages physical activity participation, healthy eating and positive self-image among adolescent girls. Led by young women volunteers.
2. Game On!
   Encourages healthy lifestyle practices among adolescent boys using games and discussion.  Led by young adult males. (Note: limited availability at present).

Email or call Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peel at 905-457-7288.

• For Go Girls: Lonni Meisner; ext 212; lonni.meisner@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
• For Game On! Beau MacLellan: ext 219; beau.maclellan@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Dove Real Beauty Workshops - Girls ages 8-12
Dove Self Esteem Fund
Designed to promote positive self-esteem for girls and their adult mentors. Speakers available to come to schools or community settings at no charge, or a free Facilitator Training Guide CD is available to learn how to do your own workshop. This CD provides “how to” information for hosting a workshop including background information and all materials and handouts.

To order a free copy of the Facilitator Training Guide CD or to arrange for a speaker, call 1-866-376-3683.