The anti-bias early childhood working group gathered virtually for their May meeting. After their standard land acknowledgement, the group dove into the meeting centered on gender identity in early childhood classrooms. They began with icebreaker questions:

When did you first figure something out about your gender and what was it?

When was a time you were told you had to or couldn’t do something because of your gender?

Stories ranged from experiences people had from early childhood to adulthood: infant ear piercing, girls being criticized for gravitating to sports during elementary school, and gendered practices during the holidays. Further grounding themselves in introductory vocabulary related to gender, the group then turned their discussion to how insidiously and directly gender is messaged to young children. They talked about goals in anti-bias education focused on gender identity and shared classroom practices they’ve found helpful in creating more gender inclusive and affirming spaces for their students. They discussed:

What messages/information promote positive gender identity for young children?

What questions have you heard young children ask about gender identity? How have you responded?

What are strategies for addressing gender bias and stereotypes with children?

During the second half of the meeting, conversation focused on  present gender identity, stereotypes, and bias that exist in children’s literature. One practice working group members found especially poignant was not assuming a picture book character’s gender until they indicate it. Conversation moved into school culture and how policies, curriculum, and classroom culture all feed how well folks are supported in regards to exploring gender. They dreamed what a program inclusive of gender would be like and then shared resources.

Attendees also received a copy of either Sparkle Boy or I Love My Purse — both of which are recommended early reading titles under the Gender Diversity curated booklist on the Social Justice Book site.

Resources:

• Free webinar

• NAEYC articles:

  • Focus on Ethics: “Don’t Let My Son Dress Up as a Girl!”—The Response

  • Focus On Ethics: Gender Expression and Identity

• Gender Justice Resources

• Booklist: Early Childhood - Learning About Gender Diversity

• Healthy Gender Development booklet

• Gender Development, Expressions, and Play