As teachers, what we focus on in our lessons and activities plays a significant role in shaping our students’ worldviews. When it comes to teaching about physical descriptions, there’s often a tendency to focus on the body’s visible parts – hair, eyes, skin, etc. However, as we strive to be more inclusive educators, we must also pay attention to the less visible aspects of physical descriptions – like the nose.
Teaching students about nose descriptions may seem like an unusual topic, but it’s an essential conversation to have. Some cultures place a great deal of importance on nose shapes and sizes, while others may view certain nose characteristics as being undesirable or unattractive. These perceptions can influence how we build and maintain relationships with others. By learning how to describe noses, we can help our students identify and question their biases and judgments towards others based on physical appearances.
Here are some tips on how to teach students about nose descriptions:
1. Introduce different nose shapes.
Start by introducing your students to the wide range of nose shapes that exist across the globe. There are many different classifications that you can use, but commonly, nose shapes are categorized as Roman, Greek, Nubian, hawk, or snub. Show pictures and explain some of the characteristics of each. Encourage students to draw and describe each type, discussing the different shapes and sizes.
2. Explore cultural significance.
Nose shapes can hold different meanings and cultural significance across the world. For instance, in some African tribes, long, thin noses are considered a sign of intelligence, while round noses are seen as a symbol of kindness. Similarly, in Indian culture, a large nose is considered attractive, and in China, a small nose is preferred. Have your students research how different cultures view nose sizes and shapes and discuss what this reflects about their values.
3. Discuss biases and stereotypes.
Unfortunately, our physical appearances often lead to biases and stereotypes. For example, people with larger noses are sometimes associated with dishonesty, while those with smaller noses might be perceived as innocent. Discuss these stereotypes with your students and how they can be harmful and hurtful. Encourage them to reflect on any biases or judgments they might have made about others based on nose size or shape.
4. Encourage positive language.
When describing someone’s nose, it’s important to use positive and descriptive language that doesn’t make assumptions about their character. Avoid using terms that reinforce negative stereotypes, such as “big nose,” “hooked nose,” or “pig nose.” Instead, use neutral and descriptive terms such as “long,” “curved,” or “wide.”
Teaching students about nose descriptions helps to build self-awareness and promote inclusive thinking. By encouraging questioning of cultural norms and stereotypes, we can help our students cultivate empathy and respect towards others. As educators, we play a vital role in creating a more accepting and compassionate society, and discussing topics such as nose descriptions is just one small step towards achieving that.
