Lesson Plan for "The cutting of long hair"

Lesson Plan for "the cutting of long hair" could be a fascinating exploration of cultural, historical, and personal significance and it illustrates the prejudice that the native American Indians experienced in the west, at the hands of the English

Title: The Cutting of Long Hair: Exploring Symbolism and Tradition

Objective: Students will understand the cultural, historical, and personal significance of cutting long hair through a variety of activities and discussions.

Duration: 1-2 class periods

Materials:

Images or videos depicting different cultures' practices related to hair cutting
Writing materials
Cultural artifacts related to hair

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (15 minutes):

Begin with a discussion about the significance of hair in different cultures. What does long hair symbolize?
Show images or videos depicting various cultural practices related to hair, such as initiation rites, mourning rituals, or religious ceremonies.
How would one feel when one has to surrender the values they have been brought up in?

2. Historical Context (15 minutes):

Provide a brief overview of historical contexts where hair cutting held significance, such as in Native American cultures during times of mourning, or in military traditions.
Discuss how societal norms around hair have evolved over time.

3. Cultural Perspectives (20 minutes):

Break students into small groups and assign each group a different culture or tradition where the cutting of long hair holds significance.
Have each group research and present their findings on why long hair is important in that culture, when and why it is cut, and what it symbolizes.

4. Personal Reflection (20 minutes):

Ask students to reflect individually on their own experiences or perceptions related to hair and haircuts.
Encourage them to write a short reflection piece or draw a picture representing their thoughts and feelings.

5. Discussion (20 minutes):

Facilitate a class discussion based on the reflections.
Discuss the changes the character undergoes after the haircut.
Encourage students to share their thoughts, questions, and any new insights gained from the lesson.

6. Optional Activity (if resources permit):

If possible, provide materials for a hands-on activity where students can simulate the act of cutting hair. This could involve using scissors to cut yarn or hair samples, or creating symbolic hair-cutting rituals using cultural artifacts.

7. Conclusion (10 minutes):

Summarize the key points of the lesson and emphasize the diversity of cultural perspectives on hair cutting.
Encourage students to continue exploring the significance of cultural practices in their own lives and communities.

Assessment:

Assess students based on their participation in discussions, the quality of their reflections, and their engagement with the assigned research and presentation tasks.

Extension Activities:

Invite guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds to share their perspectives on hair cutting.
Organize a field trip to a museum exhibit or cultural event related to hair and grooming practices.
Have students create multimedia presentations or artwork exploring the theme of hair and identity