Community Building and Gender Discussion in Willow

Together we created our class agreement.

In Willow we will:

• be flexible, 
• try our best, 
• be allies for ourselves and others
• have fun! 

We discussed what each one looks like in our lives. As our discussion continued and we addressed "being an ally for ourselves and others," one student mentioned buying a t-shirt in the boys' section because she really liked it. Her mom talked with her about her concern that other kids might make fun of her. She said, "I can be an ally for myself and stand up to them if they make fun of me."

We then continued to talk about other things that are seen as "boy" or "girl" things and how unfair that is. The idea of certain colors, toys and activities as only interesting boys or girls, not both incensed the Willows. As the conversation continued we introduced them to the word "stereotypes." The kids were so engaged and interested in the topic.

As a result of our conversation students started to notice some of these gender inequities in our world. 

• a story a neighbor told her that boys and girls can do the same things as each
• a grandmother's story of a friend who would dress up as a girl because he liked what girls wore and a special dance that they went to together
• a discussion of colors that boys and girls should like. "Boys can like pink and purple, and girls can like green."
• girls that dress like boys and it's okay

As a continuation of yesterday's talk, we read a book called The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela about a young Ethiopian girl who strove to be a beekeeper; however her community laughed at her because it was a "man's job." She was determined, persevered and proved that girls could do the same job as men. 

Parents, see if your child notices some of the gender stereotypes in our world. Let us know if they point something out to you. As second graders, fairness and equity are so important to them. This is the perfect time to engage them in these conversations.