Sorting out Gender
by Jessica Walton
Description
Kids are dealing with a world where toys, clothing and even books are being ‘sorted’ for them into boys and girls sections. Jess will ask the kids to sort a selection of items into three piles: boys, girls and both.
If the children have decided to allocate it to a particular gender, Jess will help them explore what was behind that decision. Where did the idea that this item was gendered come from? Can we ‘de-gender’ this item? Can we make the both pile bigger? Can everything go in the both pile?
Jess will help kids understand that items don’t have a gender, and that anyone can wear, play with or read anything they like!
They will also read the kids their book Introducing Teddy, which is all about being yourself and being a good friend. It also gently introduces kids to the concept of gender identity.
The session can also include a craft activity (suitable for younger primary children) where kids decorate bows and wear it as a hair bow or a bow tie, or both! Discussion about how boys and girls can wear it whichever way they like, as long as it makes them happy!
This session is also available in a longer format (most suitable for older primary children) where hobbies and jobs are sorted into girl/boy/both columns, discussed, and hopefully de-gendered.
Topics
If the children have decided to allocate it to a particular gender, Jess will help them explore what was behind that decision. Where did the idea that this item was gendered come from? Can we ‘de-gender’ this item? Can we make the both pile bigger? Can everything go in the both pile?
Jess will help kids understand that items don’t have a gender, and that anyone can wear, play with or read anything they like!
They will also read the kids their book Introducing Teddy, which is all about being yourself and being a good friend. It also gently introduces kids to the concept of gender identity.
The session can also include a craft activity (suitable for younger primary children) where kids decorate bows and wear it as a hair bow or a bow tie, or both! Discussion about how boys and girls can wear it whichever way they like, as long as it makes them happy!
This session is also available in a longer format (most suitable for older primary children) where hobbies and jobs are sorted into girl/boy/both columns, discussed, and hopefully de-gendered.
Topics
- Gender stereotypes and expectations
- De-gendering books, clothes and toys (and hobbies/jobs in longer session for older kids)
- The importance of being yourself
- Being kind and respectful to others
- Celebrating diversity and difference
- Gentle introduction to concept of gender identity
Details
Audience
Prep – Grade 6
Duration
40-50 minutes (60-70 minutes for the longer version)
Requirements
Jess needs: Whiteboard, whiteboard markers. Students need: Tables to complete the handouts at, or clipboards to lean on if completing work on the floor. Pencils/crayons etc for students to complete handouts with. Paper and pens if completing the optional workshop component.