Inclusive Practice: What It Is and How to Implement It

Gender identity and early childhood: 

Question 1 

According to Greenwald’s talk, researchers believe that children begin to develop their sense of gender identity between the ages of 2 and 3 (TEDx Talks, 2015). She posits that societal misjudgment of gender to equate sex begins at birth owing to what parents view, a situation that changes on an individual level for young ones at the mentioned ages. Similarly, according to Phillips many research studies reveals multiple transgendered individuals articulate that between ages of wo and five they realized their natal sex has nothing to do with their affirmed gender identity (Jule, 2015). Therefore, the two submissions relatively agree on the timeline young ones typically start to assert their gender identities. 

Question 2 

The information from the two surprised me given I was of the idea that an individual’s cognition takes long to develop especially for children. In my opinion, a child at the age of two has barely a formidable mind to process intrinsic differences such as gender and sex. However, what society (parents and close relations) crafts for the young one informs their perception. Therefore, I believe at a tender age, individuals would conform to the preconceived gender identity. I purport that age two has a young one bearing a feeble mind that cannot fully make up complexity which makes it surprising as the time children typically start to assert their gender identities. 

Question 3 

I feel like heading to around 7 years was when I knew my gender. Of course during elementary school, I knew the difference between binary genders owing to the different classifications such as when assisted to the lavatories. However, I did not fully constitute the realm of gender until I was approaching adolescence age. It is at approximately 7 years old that I can say I felt that I knew my gender. 

Question 4 

I can think of Mark who asserted gender identity at a young age. During elementary school Mark was socially inactive in class and resented the idea of being treated as a girl. He kept to himself and avoided playing with others and had problems during gender binary operations. Teachers had it difficult handling his case as they involved his parents in the conversation for seeking a remedy to Mark’s situation. 

Challenges and controversy: Discussion gender diversity in early childhood spaces: 

Question 1 

According to Phillips, societal operations under heteronormative and homophobic lens influence viewing gender fundamentally in binary terms (Jule, 2015). The situation facilitates many teachers to unknowingly perpetuate gender binary in their jurisdictions through language use, classroom arrangement, and material provision for students. Those are some of the reasons educators feel that discussing gender diversity in early childhood is controversial revealing how norms affect the discussion. 

Question 2 

I think that discussing gender identity with young children is controversial. I believe gender diversity is a complex discussion for young ones who should worry themselves with non-complex issues such as playing and sleeping. However, I do recognize that various traits develop starting from the root which is a tender age. Therefore, teachers should be considerate to such differences and personally assess every child to determine their specific needs to avoid the binary set-up that hurts young ones struggling to assert their gender. 

Question 3 

Thinking back to Hicks article, the children positively responded to the author’s transition. They influenced the change by teaching Hicks how to show up daily in wholeness and unabashed. They taught Hicks concerning love which propagates acceptance and respecting the personal space of others (elements in tandem with such transition). The children’s’ response was against all odds such as systemic structures placed to derail gender assertiveness. 

Question 4 

I think they responded this way due to an understanding between them and Hicks. According to Hicks (2017), he initially struggled in comprehending the students as individuals and moving forward the two parties built a fine and trusting relationship enveloping into love. The positive rapport between Hicks and the students facilitated the response. Furthermore, according to Philips, language use influences children comprehension that goes beyond gender binary (Jule, 2015). I believe Hicks use of an ideal language with the young ones propagated the understanding between the two parties leading to the positive response. 

Educator practice: 

Question 1 

I found Kiran’s story from the LGBTQ families speak out website as meaningful. In the video, Kiran explains how it is difficult to open up to family members concerning sexuality (LGBTQ Families Speak Out, 2019). Kiran submits that the neighborhood and traditions alongside norms have an influence regarding the decision of not fully coming out or being gender assertive. Such adversities influence the resolution to have a “chosen family” by the subject. It is a meaningful revelation considering the tribulations the LGBTQ community faces which transcends from society to family. The latter is most unfortunate considering close relations typically should have a sense of understanding doing justice to the adage that says “charity begins at home.” Kiran’s story pinpoints the gaps for full acceptance of the LGBTQ community leading to failure to enjoy their freedoms and rights while concurrently poking holes at the shortcomings of family as a unit needed to address such issues. 

Question 2 

I would use the knowledge gained from the LGBTQ families speak out website to positively influence my practice by developing structures that make it easy for non-binary individuals to freely express themselves. It will help develop fundamental components that communicate acceptance and understanding facilitated by constructing positive frameworks such as considerate language. The knowledge from the website speaks to breaking tradition and norms to formulate inclusive structures that brings equality in diversity. 

Question 3 

Changing language, providing equal platform for all, and minimizing the binary depiction such as in arrangement are things that I will do to make my playroom or classroom more gender inclusive. According to Hicks (2017), ideal language propagates understanding transcending to trust and love that propagates acceptance. Using a language that goes against binary norms will help set the stage for a gender inclusive environment. Phillips submits that classroom set-ups facilitate non-inclusivity. I would address the shortcoming by proper arrangement to create an environment where students can relate without gender barriers (Jule, 2015). Lastly, Greenwald submits that gender is binary is a myth transcending to societal perceptions that hurt the non-binary (TEDx Talks, 2015). By providing equal platform for all such as offering toys that do not demarcate boys and girls will break tradition and facilitate a gender inclusive environment. 

References 

Hicks, B. L. (2017). Gracefully unexpected, deeply present and positively disruptive: Love and queerness in classroom community.  Bank Street Occasional Paper Series ,  37 , 1-16. 

Julé, A. (Ed.). (2015).  Shifting visions: Gender and discourses . Cambridge Scholars Publishing, pp. 212-237. 

LGBTQ Families Speak Out. (2019). “Kiran: My Identity and the Value of Chosen Family.” http://www.lgbtqfamiliesspeakout.ca/videos 

TEDx Talks. (2015). “What kindergarteners taught me about gender | Batya Greenwald | TEDxCU.” YouTube , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvJTsrWarrw&feature=emb_logo&ab_channel=TEDxTalks