Power Perspective Worksheet Power & Perspective
Instrument vs. Ornament: A Study in Body Image Resilience
NAME:
DATE:
Warm-Up: Words Matter
Write down the first three adjectives that come to mind when you think of the word BODY.
Reflection Prompt:
How many of your words were about appearance (what it looks like) versus function (what it does)?
Video Focus: See More & Be More
1. Defining "Self-Objectification":
Based on the TED talk, how does Lindsay Kite define self-objectification? How does she describe the "mental task list"?
Body Positivity vs.
The message "all bodies are beautiful." Focuses on redefining the look of beauty.
Body Image Resilience
Growing stronger through pain. Focuses on the meaning of the body.
The Three Paths of Response:
Path Definition / Examples 1. Sinking 2. Hiding & Fixing 3. Rising
Activity: Instrument Inventory
Mantra: "My body is an instrument, not an ornament."
Ornaments
(Things my body looks like / aesthetic traits)
Instruments
(Things my body can DO / functional abilities)
Synthesis Question:
In your opinion, which column does society/social media tend to value more? Which column actually sustains your life and allows you to experience the world? Why the gap?
Perspective Shift Exit Ticket Perspective Shift
Exit Ticket
Name
Date
Redefining Health
Based on today's discussion and the concept of Instrument vs. Ornament , write one sentence that defines what health means to you.
The Challenge
Your definition cannot include the words:
weight size look
My body is an instrument, not an ornament.
Body Image Slides Power & Perspective
BODY IMAGE RESILIENCE
Health Class: 9th - 12th Grade
Words Matter
Write down the first 3 adjectives that come to mind when you think of the word:
BODY
Appearance vs. Function
Column A
Tall, Thin, Muscular, Pretty, Ugly, Fit...
Appearance Based
Column B
Strong, Capable, Breathing, Thinking, Moving...
Function Based
Which column does society encourage us to focus on most?
Dr. Lindsay Kite
Co-founder, Beauty Redefined
Self-Objectification
The process of monitoring your body from an outsider's perspective .
Picturing what you look like all day, even when no one is watching.
"My body was never the problem. The problem was my body image."
Video Case Study
Lindsay Kite | TEDxSaltLakeCity
Focus: Definitions of Objectification & Resilience
Embedded media
The Cost of Monitoring
The "Mental Task List":
"Adjust your shirt."
"Suck in your stomach."
"Find your best angle."
"Is my hair okay?"
Research Snapshot:
Self-objectification decreases performance in math, reading, and physical tasks.
"Mental energy is finite. Appearance monitoring steals that energy."
Body Image Resilience
Path 1: Sinking
Deepening shame through self-harm, disordered eating, or substance abuse.
"I'm not good enough."
Path 2: Hiding/Fixing
Adapting to shame by avoiding events or trying to change the body to fit ideals.
"Maybe if I fix this..."
Path 3: Rising
Developing resilience. Knowing your body is good regardless of how it looks.
"I am more than a body."
Our Core Philosophy
"My body is an..."
INSTRUMENT
"...not an..."
ORNAMENT
Main Activity
Instrument Inventory
Create a two-column chart on your worksheet.
Left: Ornaments (What it looks like).
Right: Instruments (What it can DO).
You must list 10 items in the Instrument column.
Think internal! (e.g., Lungs breathe, brain solves problems, heart pumps blood)
Exit Ticket
Write one sentence redefining health for yourself.
The Rule:
No "Weight," No "Size," No "Look."
Body Image Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: Body Image Resilience
Unit: The Resilient Self
Duration: 50-60 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between performative "body positivity" and functional "body image resilience."
Analyze the cognitive impact of self-objectification on mental performance.
Reframe the body as an instrument for experiencing the world rather than an ornament for observation.
Key Concepts
Self-Objectification
Monitoring the body from an outsider's perspective.
Body Resilience
Using body image disruptions as catalysts for growth.
Pacing Guide
Warm-up 5 min
Slide Intro 5 min
Video Viewing 17 min
Inventory Activity 18 min
Group Discussion 10 min
Exit Ticket 5 min
Step-by-Step Delivery
1
The "Words Matter" Warm-up
Students write "BODY" adjectives. Teacher Strategy: Walk around and tally how many words are appearance-based vs. function-based. Share the percentage with the class to show the "default" social conditioning.
2
Video Viewing (Lindsay Kite)
Play the TED Talk. Pause at 6:11 ("Redefining Health") to discuss the impact of "appearance monitoring" on performance. Ask students: "Have you ever been distracted in class because you were worried about your hair or your outfit?"
3
Main Activity: Instrument Inventory
Ensure students list 10 instruments . Push them to think past athletics (running, lifting) to internal functions: "My heart beats automatically," "My brain learns Spanish," "My hands create art."
Discussion Spark:
"If you could never see your reflection again, but your body still worked perfectly, would your life still have value?"
Common Misconceptions
"Body positivity means I have to love my rolls."
Clarification: Body resilience means you don't have to "love" every aesthetic detail—you just have to recognize the body's value isn't tied to those details.
"Instruments only apply to athletes."
Clarification: Every body is an instrument if it allows for thought, breath, or sensation. Use examples like "experiencing the feeling of sun on skin."
Differentiation
For Students with Physical Disabilities: Refocus the "Instrument" column on internal systems (breathing, digesting, thinking) or assistive devices as extensions of the body's functional power.
Body Image Answer Key Answer Key & Exemplars
Lesson: Body Image Resilience
Video Note Key
Definition: Self-Objectification
Monitoring the body from an outsider's perspective; picturing how one looks rather than how one feels or what one is doing. It creates a "mental task list" (checking angles, adjusting clothes) that drains cognitive energy.
Path Core Response 1. Sinking Deepening shame via harmful behaviors (self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse). 2. Hiding/Fixing Adapting to shame. Hiding (avoiding social/physical events) or Fixing (surgery, dieting) to meet ideals. 3. Rising Developing resilience. Reframing the body's purpose from aesthetic to functional.
Instrument Inventory (Sample Items)
Ornaments (Looks)
Straight hair / Curly hair
Specific eye color
Clear skin / Freckles
Weight or BMI number
Muscle definition / Tone
Instruments (Functions)
Lungs taking in oxygen
Brain solving complex math
Heart pumping blood to organs
Nervous system feeling warmth
Legs walking to class
Hands writing a story
Vocal cords expressing feelings
Ears hearing music
Eyes reading a book
Stomach digesting nutrients
Exit Ticket Exemplars
Criteria: Must define health without using "weight," "size," or "look."
"Health is having the energy and functional strength to do the activities I love without being held back by my physical state."
"To me, health is when my mind and body work together effectively so I can solve problems and enjoy being with my friends."
"Health is the ability of my internal systems to keep me alive and allow me to experience the world through my senses."