Keri N.

Deck
EDUC-M 300
November 29, 2015
Guiding Question
The topic I chose for my final was Gender Stereotypes. To go along with this topic I
picked the guiding question What are the ways in which we can create learning opportunities
for all children? I found that this was a great question to apply to my topic because I think there
are a lot of lessons to be learnt in gender stereotypes with young students and how they can
affect others.
I hear all the time comments and remarks from young students about he cries like a little
girl and only boys play with cars. I have never really gotten too worked up from these
comments. I would tell students that it is not nice to talk like that and go on with other activities.
But, this semester I have found so much more about being a better teacher on this topic. For
example, when Dr. Serriere made the comment in class about the comments we make to other
students about their gender.
I will never forget the statement that Dr. Serriere made how often are little girls
complimented on how cute they look? How often are boys complemented of how strong they
are? I could not help but think about how many times I have made comments like that in my
lifetime. I think it is important that students see a teacher as someone who accepts and supports
them in everything. Teachers school lead by example when it comes to identifying gender roles
in the classroom. As future teachers it is our responsibility to complement students on their
minds not their outer exterior.
In our text book there is a story about a little boy who liked to wear his moms clothes
and had a high pitch voice. I found it ironic that the only people that saw this as an issue were the
adults in the childs life (pg. 148). Gender stereotypes need to be eliminated from the classroom.
We talked about in class there is no such thing as a good stereotype. I now know after research,
observation and other experiences. I truly do not know what makes a male and a female, because
from past understanding there are people who identify with one gender type but born to the other.
Another artifact that we used in our class was the Caitlyn Jenner ESPY Speech. Even
though my topic has nothing to do when transgender people. But this gave me a great view of the
struggle that people feel when they are labeled or put down for what they do, say, or look like. In
her speech Caitlyn says Trans-people deserve something vital, they deserve your respect. I
think this stands for everyone. And I wonder, if people can be born one gender and identify
themselves as another do the words boy/girl or male/female relevant for any person.
From this project I see gender identity in such a different way. Im not sure what makes
us male or female. But, there is one thing I do know, the next time someone tells me I throw
like a girl I will thank them because throwing like a girl must be a very powerful thing for
someone to say that to me.

Resources
C. Jenner, ESPY Awards, July 15, 2015
Langer de Ramirez, L. (2006). Gender and Gender Roles. In Voice of Diversity
(pp. 148-149). Columbus, Ohio: Pearson.
Sierrere. Dr. , Teaching in a Pluralistic Society, October, 2015.