- Avoiding separating male and female students – Separating students within the classroom inhibits male and female students learning how to socialise with each other. A way to do this is by avoiding things like ‘girls vs boys’ games, for example.
- Don’t allow male students to interrupt female students when they are speaking – It’s a well-known thing that women are interrupted a lot by men. And it all starts with upbringing. Boys are taught to play rough and tumble, whereas girls are taught to be stay polite and quiet. This subconsciously teaches girls – that what women have to say is less important. Encouraging male students to listen, and female students to voice their opinions helps combat this issue at an early age.
- Promote all genders working together – Perhaps the best way to promote gender equality in the classroom is by simply encouraging everyone to work together. Teamwork is a valuable life skill regardless, but letting students of all genders work together free from stereotypes will teach them that gender really don’t matter at all.
- Avoid stereotypes (including subtle ones) – It’s important to avoid well-ingrained stereotypes such as ‘blue for boys’ and ‘pink for girls’, or ‘tough boys’ and ‘caring’ girls. These are subtle things, but things that can have a huge impact on what a child’s value and self-worth is based on. Try to avoid commenting on girls’ appearance and focus on complimenting their achievements and ideas.
- Include literature that is inclusive and free of gender stereotypes – A lot of literature we all read at school is filled with gender stereotypes and outdated gender roles. Children are inspired by stories that they can relate to, with characters that look like them. Therefore, reading books about women becoming lawyers, and boys becoming nurses, helps promote equal job opportunities and goals as they grow up.
- Swap out gendered words – It’s a good idea to start replacing phrases like ‘mum and dad’ for ‘parent/s’ or ‘caregiver/s’. This helps create an inclusive environment in which kids with same-sex parents feel included, and where every family dynamic is represented. Try to also avoid gendered professions like ‘policeman’ and ‘fireman’, and go for ‘police officer’ and ‘firefighter’ instead. Here we can prevent kids from thinking they can’t aspire to certain professions because of their gender.
- Avoid assigning gender to toys and games in early years – Teachers must be proactive when maintaining an equal and stereotype-free environment in the classroom. This starts in early years. It is important that we stop assigning toys and activities to children based on their sex and give all kids an equal opportunity to benefit from what all different toys can teach them.
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