Reducing student and teacher disengagement in educational settings

¶ … Kids (and teachers) not to hate

Gender Identity/Roles and Sexual Orientation and Teachers of Young Children

In this article, the author discusses how teachers of young children can answer and address questions regarding sexual orientation and identity. The article suggests that these topics may arise through student questions and/or behavior, as well as questions raised by parents. Despite the fact that these questions are very common, the article suggests that some teachers are afraid to deal with these topics; they are concerned with parents' opinions, the community, and confusing a student, in addition to the possibility of harming a student by making that student think that it is only OK to have one type of sexual orientation. The article suggests reading literature, asking other teachers, and having discussions with students, whose parents are fully informed, as ways to handle these issues.

It does seem true that children are pushed into one gender identity and into certain gender roles by society. I believe that both girls and boys should be able to explore attitudes, toys, and games that may be considered of the opposite gender. In addition, I believe society pushes children into one sexual orientation by often making statements that refer to a heterosexual lifestyle, the way Janice told Maria to hold her boyfriend's hand. Because of this, I think teachers should address this very challenging issue even at this young of an age. Teachers can show their students that different people believe different things, making sure to state that family and religious views on the topic are valid ones. I think that children who can work out their own gender roles and sexual orientation will probably thank teachers and parents when they are older. Teachers' job is to encourage children to grow, learn, and explore in who they will be. It makes sense that teachers should play a role in encouraging students in developing their gender roles and sexual orientation as well.