Sample Assignments – IV. What Is Gender and Why is it Important?
Introduction
Chapter IV overviews gender. In this chapter, we will explore the social constructs of gender and intersectionality. Social constructs challenge, and often reinforce, our understanding of human behavior, leading to dangerous stereotypes, microaggressions, implicit bias, explicit bias, and confirmation bias. We will determine how our ideas about gender support or harm our collaborative relationships with children, families, schools, and communities.
You will find it helpful to review the following preview videos to pair with your reading:
Pink and Blue: Communicating Gender to Children | Anthony Schullo | TEDxNorthCentralCollege
Discussion Prompt A
- Choose one of the podcasts from the How to Be a Girl series and listen to it.
- Summarize the podcast that you listened to, emphasizing your key takeaways.
- What questions would you ask the caregivers in this story about their parenting relationships?
- What questions would you ask the children in this story?
- What strategies would you offer the schools and communities in this story to best support this family as it moves forward into the future?
Discussion Prompt B
- Reflecting on Nick Alm’s journey and experiences as a non-binary individual navigating both personal and professional spaces, discuss a time when you had to confront societal expectations or norms that didn’t align with your authentic self. How did you handle the situation, and what support or resources would have been helpful for you during that time?
- Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments for trans and non-binary individuals. Share an example of a time when you witnessed or participated in fostering inclusivity for gender diverse children or caregivers. What actions were taken, and what positive outcomes resulted from those efforts?
Reading Review
- Read Chapter IV.
- Identify and read at least 3 children’s book published in the last 10 years that highlight trans or non-binary characters.
- Summarize each book and describe the main characters.
- Are the character(s) story presented from a strengths or deficit based lens?
- How is gender or socialization presented in the stories?
Reflection
- Choose one of the following questions to answer.
- Reflect on how microaggressions might manifest in interactions with families that are transgender or LGBTQ+. Consider the potential impact of these microaggressions on the children and their families. How can early childhood educators create a more inclusive and supportive environment that actively counters these subtle forms of discrimination?
- Reflect on how gender stereotypes influence the way children engage in play. Consider the ways in which these stereotypes might limit a child’s exploration and expression. How can early childhood educators create an environment that encourages all children to explore a diverse range of play activities, free from the constraints of traditional gender roles?
Optional Bonus
Girls State and Boy State are leadership and citizenship programs designed for high schoolers girls, typically rising seniors, in the United States. The programs are sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. They aim high schoolers about government, politics, and civic engagement by immersing them in a mock governmental environment.
During Girls State and Boy State, participants (often referred to as “citizens”) form their own mock state government, complete with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. They run for various offices, draft and debate bills, and learn about the responsibilities and functions of state and local government. The program usually includes activities such as:
- Participants run for elected positions, conduct campaigns, and vote in elections.
- Citizens draft, discuss, and pass mock legislation in a simulated legislative process.
- Attendees learn about the workings of various government offices and agencies.
- Guest speakers, including elected officials and community leaders, provide insights into government and leadership.
- Participants engage in activities that promote civic responsibility and leadership skills.
The purpose of Girls State and Boy State is to inspire highschoolers to take active roles in their communities and to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership. The program also emphasizes the importance of civic participation and the democratic process and encourages attendees to become informed and active citizens.
Girls State and Boys State run as separate programs.
Instructions:
- Read A new documentary follows hundreds of high school girls forming a mock government
- Optional: If you have access to Apple TV+, watch the documentary Girls State.
- Choose one of the following questions to respond to:
- Reflect on the differences observed between the Girls State and Boys State programs as highlighted in the interview and/or documentary. How do these differences, such as the initial hesitance of the girls to engage in political discussions and the gender-specific rules like dress codes and buddy systems, illustrate broader societal gender norms and expectations? How can understanding these dynamics inform your approach as an educator to foster a more equitable environment for all genders?
