Social Justice for Little Learners

Grade Level: PS 3

Topic: Gender Stereotypes/Expectations

Book Title: “Except When They Don’t”

Author: Laura Gehl

Link to Purchase: https://a.co/d/9ocMCZD

Link for Online Read-Aloud : https://youtu.be/FQ1RyTAg2Pk?si=Ywkl3vGqx_xpK9an

Discussion Prompts/Questions:

• “What is something you like to play with in school?”
• “How would you feel if someone told you that you had to like _______, when you don’t?”

Follow-Up Activity:

• Put out a variety of different play options, including those typically “gendered”, and encourage children to play with something new. This is also a good time to “mix-up” where things are located and how they are played with…for example, if doll house toys and dinosaurs are located on opposite sides of the room, place them closer together.
• Model the fact that it’s ok for children to play with, and enjoy, a variety of different toys. One way that you can do this is by using sparkly markers/paints to draw trucks, use a princess toy to drive a tractor, dress as Superman to take care of doll babies, etc.

BC Core Competency Connections:

Personal and Social

• Personal Awareness & Responsibility
  • I can show a sense of accomplishment and joy, and express some wants, needs, and preferences. I can sometimes recognize my emotions.
• Social Awareness and Responsibility
  • I can help and be kind.
  • I am aware that other people can be different from me.
  • In familiar settings, I can interact with others and my surroundings respectfully.

Thinking

• Creative Thinking
  • I get ideas when I play.
• Critical Thinking
  • I can explore materials and actions.

Communication

• Communicating
  • In a safe and supported environment, I respond meaningfully to communication from peers and adults.
• Collaborating
  • In familiar situations, I can participate with others.

BC Curricular Connections:

• Understand (Big Ideas):
  • Stories and other texts help us learn about ourselves and our families. (ELA K)
  • Everyone has a unique story to share. (ELA K)
  • Through listening and speaking, we connect with others and share our world. (ELA K)
  • Our communities are diverse and made of individuals who have a lot in common. (SS K)
  • Confidence develops through the process of self-discovery. (Career Education K)
  • Learning about ourselves and others helps us develop a positive attitude and caring behaviours, which helps us build healthy relationships. (Physical and Health Education K)
• Know (Content):
  • Ways in which individuals and families differ and are the same. (SS K)
  • Cultural and social awareness, achieved by exploring self-identity, acknowledging cultural differences, honouring indigenous traditions. (Career Education K)
  • Caring behaviours in groups and families. (Physical and Health Education K)
• Do (Curricular Competency):
  • Comprehend and connect (reading, listening, viewing)
    • Engage actively as listeners, viewers, and readers, as appropriate, to develop understanding of self, identity, and community. (ELA K)
    • Recognize the importance of story in personal, family, and community identity. (ELA K)
  • Create and communicate (writing, speaking, representing)
    • Exchange ideas and perspectives to build shared understanding. (ELA K)
    • Use language to identify, create, and share ideas, feelings, opinions, and preferences. (ELA K)
  • Acknowledge different perspectives on people, places, issues, or events in their lives. (SS K)
  • Identify fair and unfair aspects of events, decisions, or actions in their lives and consider appropriate courses of action. (SS K)
  • Share ideas, information, personal feelings, and knowledge with others. (Career Education K)
  • Develop and demonstrate respectful behaviour when participating in activities with others. (Physical and Health Education K)

FPPL Link:

• Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors.
• Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).
• Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
• Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

BC ELF Link:

• Children are strong, capable in their uniqueness, and full of potential.
• Early years spaces are inclusive.
• Play is integral to well-being and learning.
• Relationships are the context for well-being and learning.
• Learning is holistic.

TFT Through-line Link:

• Justice Seeking
• Community Building