Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
Publication Title
Northwest Passage: Journal of Educational Practices
Department
Education
Abstract
In this documentary account, a kindergarten teacher and teacher educator describe our efforts to explore how young children think and reason about gender expression in and beyond the classroom. We describe our ongoing collaboration to develop a framework for teacher-initiated and student-initiated conversations about gender, which often result from students’ spontaneous remarks and questions about gender norms. We explore the question, How can educators create relevant and engaging learning opportunities to invite young learners to discuss gender norms within the classroom? In this paper we share kindergartners’ conversations about gender and three examples of their writing about this topic. We conclude that an inquiry approach to teaching, that aims to be respectful of and responsive to students developing ideas about gender identity, is both possible and necessary.
ISSN
1552-762X
Citation
Wacker, N. &, Ryken, A. E. (2012). Because it’s a girl cake!: Fostering dialogue about gender identity in elementary classrooms. Northwest Passage: Journal of Educational Practices, 10 (1), 65-78.