Looking at the text's illustrations, students apply their sleuthing skills learned in the previous exercise. Students mark the illustrations that seem biased or stereotypical and prepare a brief summary of their findings for presentation to the class. Present findings to class. Show the illustration in question, state the obvious message, and finally reveal the hidden message. Ask students, as individuals, to write a short essay explaining why a textbook might depict women as less than equal to men.
Students read essays to the class.
Discuss as a class. Analyze text for examples of gender bias and stereotyping. This is a much more difficult task. Assess students' written work for effort, content, and creativity. If offensive text or illustrations are found, write a business letter to the publisher, cc to the Principal and School Committee.