More Stereotypes

This morning we continued our discussion about gender stereotypes. (Although I haven't told the kids they are stereotypes yet...) I displayed many photographs of popular toys: Easy Bake Oven, bead kit, Battleship, wrestling action figure, Bakugan figure, and more. I asked the children to write B if they considered the toy for boys, a G if they considered the toy for girls, and BG if they thought both boys and girls could enjoy that toy.

The discussion was rich. At first, some children felt strongly that certain toys were just for girls. Some children felt strongly that certain toys were just for boys. However, as the conversation continued, children realized that all children could play with any of the toys.

I tried to push the conversation further by playing devil's advocate. I asked them to honestly think about what they would say or do if they walked into a playroom to find a boy playing with baby dolls. I could tell what a caring group of children they are from their responses. They know that the "right" answer is to be kind to a child playing with something, even if the toy is surprising to them.

Room 221 will continue this conversation. I want all children to be able to follow through with their assertions to treat all children with respect.

Challenge your child to think about this the next time they hear, or say, "That's a boy toy," or "That's a girl toy!"