Body Talk Lesson Plan Body Talk
See More, Be More?
Duration: 50 Minutes
Target Audience: 16-year-old EFL
Why This Lesson?
This lesson is crucial for helping students navigate societal pressures related to appearance, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a respectful and inclusive environment regarding body image.
Teacher Preparation
Time: 15 minutes
Review the Slide Deck, Worksheet, and Answer Key.
Test projector/screen and speakers for the TED Talk.
Access the TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0e\_j16C1m4
Print copies of the Body Talk Worksheet for each student.
Teaching Approach
Interactive discussion, vocabulary building, TED Talk viewing, and guided reflection.
Learning Objectives
Understand and discuss concepts of body positivity vs. body obsession.
Improve English listening comprehension via TED Talk content.
Express personal opinions on self-image and media influence.
Materials Needed
Projector / Screen
Slide Deck
Student Worksheets
Project Guide
Answer Key
Lesson Timeline
5m
Warm-up: What is 'Body Image'?
Slide 2
Elicit student responses to the question: "What comes to mind when you hear 'body image'?"
Write keywords on the board.
Introduce the importance of body image in modern life.
10m
Pre-Watching: Vocabulary & Context
Slide 3
Define terms: body positivity, obsession, self-esteem, media influence, perception.
Distribute Body Talk Worksheet.
Students complete "Part 1: Before You Watch" individually or in pairs.
15m
Watch the TED Talk
Slide 4
Play the video by Jessi Jean.
Students answer "Part 2: While You Watch" questions on their worksheet.
Remind students to focus on main ideas and new vocabulary.
10m
Post-Watching Discussion
Slide 5
Discuss "Part 3: After You Watch" in small groups.
Review worksheet answers using the Body Talk Answer Key.
Facilitate a respectful conversation about diverse perspectives.
5m
Project Introduction: My Body, My Story
Slide 6
Introduce the creative project using the Project Guide.
Explain the goals: promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity.
5m
Cool Down: One Word Reflection
Slide 7
Ask students to write down one word that describes their main takeaway.
Share words as a class for emotional reflection and summary.
Body Talk Slide Deck Body Talk
See More, Be More?
Exploring the complex concepts of body positivity, body obsession, and media influence.
What is "Body Image"?
Think & Discuss
What comes to mind when you hear "body image"?
Society & Talk
How do people in our society talk about bodies?
Reflection Question:
"Is body image important to you? Why or why not?"
Key Vocabulary
Body Positivity
Encouraging love and acceptance of bodies regardless of size or shape.
Body Obsession
Unhealthy preoccupation with appearance, leading to negative behaviors.
Self-esteem
Confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.
Media Influence
The impact social media and advertising have on our perception.
Perception
The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
Acceptance
The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.
TED Talk: Jessi Jean
Body Positivity or Body Obsession? How to See More and Be More
Embedded media
Fill out "While You Watch" section on your worksheet.
Discuss & Reflect
1 What was the most surprising thing you heard?
2 What does Jessi Jean mean by "seeing more and being more"?
3 How can we practice body acceptance in our daily lives?
"How does this talk relate to your own experiences or observations in your community?"
Project: My Body, My Story
Collaborative Challenge
Create something to promote body acceptance and positive self-perception in our school.
Poster Series
Short Video/PSA
Journal Booklet
Success Criteria:
Clear positive message
Creative original format
Deep understanding of themes
Effective teamwork & English
One Word Reflection
What is one word that describes your main takeaway or feeling after today?
"Your thoughts are the diet for your mind. Choose them wisely."
Body Talk Worksheet Body Talk: See More, Be More?
Student Reflection & Viewing Guide
Name:
Date:
PART 1
Before You Watch
1. What does the phrase "body image" mean to you? Write down three words or phrases that come to mind.
2. What is "body positivity"? Have you heard this term before?
3. What do you think "body obsession" might mean? How is it different?
4. Before watching the TED Talk, what do you hope to learn about body image and self-acceptance?
PART 2
While You Watch
Listen carefully to Jessi Jean's TED Talk and answer the questions below.
1. What is one of the main problems Jessi Jean identifies with how society often talks about bodies?
2. What is the difference between "seeing more" and "being more" according to Jessi Jean?
3. Jessi Jean mentions a "thought diet." What does she mean by this, and why does she suggest it?
4. What examples does Jessi Jean give of how media influences our body image?
5. What is one practical step Jessi Jean suggests for improving our relationship with our bodies?
PART 3
After You Watch
1. What was the most surprising or impactful idea from the talk for you? Why?
2. How can the concepts of "body positivity" and "body obsession" impact a person's mental health?
3. Do you think these messages are relevant to people in your country or culture? Explain.
4. How can we promote a more respectful and accepting attitude towards diverse body types in our community?
5. What is one personal action you could take to practice more self-acceptance?
Body Talk Answer Key Answer Key: Body Talk
Teacher Resource • Suggested Responses
FOR TEACHER USE ONLY
PART 1
Before You Watch
1. What does the phrase "body image" mean to you?
Answers will vary. Look for reflections on personal appearance, self-perception, confidence, or comparisons to others. Sample: "How I feel when I look in the mirror," "Confidence," or "The way I think about my looks."
2. Body Positivity
A movement about accepting and loving your body regardless of size, shape, or appearance. Focuses on respect for all bodies.
3. Body Obsession
An unhealthy preoccupation with appearance, often involving constant comparison or desire to reach an "ideal" standard.
PART 2
While You Watch (TED Talk)
1. What is one of the main problems identified with how society talks about bodies?
Society focuses only on the external appearance and tries to "fix" bodies rather than appreciating them for what they do or the person inside.
2. Difference between "seeing more" and "being more":
"Seeing more" is focusing on external flaws and striving for a body ideal. "Being more" is recognizing inherent worth, embracing identity beyond appearance, and living a fuller life.
3. What is a "thought diet"?
Intentionally choosing positive thoughts about yourself and stopping negative self-talk. It's suggest because thoughts significantly impact our self-esteem and happiness.
4. Media influence examples:
Social media, advertisements, and traditional media present unrealistic body ideals, leading to constant comparison and feelings of inadequacy.
5. Practical step for improvement:
Unfollowing accounts that cause negative feelings; practicing gratitude for body functions; celebrating unique strengths; or choosing helpful thoughts.
PART 3
After You Watch
2. Mental and emotional health impact:
Positivity increases self-esteem and reduces anxiety. Obsession can lead to depression, eating disorders, and constant dissatisfaction.
4. Promoting community acceptance:
Stopping critical comments; promoting diverse body types in school media; educating others; creating safe spaces for all shapes/sizes.
Pedagogical Note:
Encourage students to use the specific English vocabulary learned today (e.g., *self-esteem*, *perception*) in their responses. For Part 3, prioritize depth of reflection and cultural relevance over "correctness."
Body Talk Project Guide My Body, My Story
A Celebration of Self-Acceptance
Project Format
Group Collaborative
Project Objective
To creatively express your understanding of body positivity, challenge body obsession, and promote respect for diverse body images within our school community.
Materials Needed
Poster board
Art supplies
Canva/Slides
Worksheets
Journals
Curiosity
Choose Your Creative Format
Body Positive Campaign
Design a series of 2-3 posters with powerful slogans and diverse imagery challenging standard beauty ideals.
"Beyond Surface" PSA
Create a 1-2 minute video exploring TED Talk themes. Can include skits, interviews, or narratives.
Self-Love Booklet
Design a journal with prompts, affirmations, and short articles encouraging healthy self-reflection.
Diversity Collage
A visual digital or physical art piece celebrating body diversity with meaningful captions.
How to Succeed
01
Brainstorm
Discuss what body positivity means to your group. How can you inspire others?
02
Create
Develop content that reflects Jessi Jean's ideas. Use clear, appropriate English.
03
Present
Deliver a 3-5 minute explanation to the class. Focus on impact and message.
Success Criteria Check:
Clear positive message
Effective teamwork
Creative & original
Proper English usage
Body Talk Cool Down Reflection Lesson Exit Ticket
One Word Reflection
Think about today's lesson, the TED Talk, and our discussion on body positivity and body obsession.
In one word, what is your main takeaway, feeling, or a word that summarizes your learning from today?
Bonus: Why did you choose that word?
Body Talk: See More, Be More?
