Oh my god! I do not even have the ability to express my gratitude. I have had a misty vision regarding my career aspiration. Now, I have found my way. Thank you, teacher!
How do we deal with gender issues in class? A student who last year was a girl and now wants to be called a guy, and vice versa. Also, thanks for the great content
Hello, thanks so much for the question. ☺️ It’s not really my area of expertise, so I wouldn’t be able to ethically give detailed advice here. I can only tell you how I personally would respond. I would absolutely affirm people’s pronouns and stated gender. If I have a person in my class who wishes me to use a different name/set of pronouns to what they had last year, 100% I am going to do that. My classroom is always a safe space. So yes, everyone else in the room would have to respect that person’s name/pronouns as well. The class has everything to gain by listening to each other, showing empathy, and being kind, decent human beings.
@@TeachinginHarmony Thank you so much for your detailed reply, and very sorry for the lateness of mine! I did not realize that you had responded! I do love the sense of harmony, peace and love I get from your example. I do have two gnawing questions/considerations though - 1. The idea of a "safe space" - Lets say a child is changing genders every year or six months, (as has happened), am I creating a violent atmosphere by questioning the child and reminding them that they were born a particular gender (except intersex children, of course). It feels that the term "safe space" is being bandied about without necessity. Isn't the classroom, even with the fighting, arguing and disagreements, inherently a safe space - a microcosm of the real world devoid of real world violence and other dangers? 2. In the list you mentioned - listening, empathy, kindness and decency - there's no mention of facts and honesty/truth. If a child has been male, using the male bathroom and locker room - how can I honestly affirm his newfound gender after summer break? Isn't this what leads to Lia Thomas-like issues? My question is basically, while providing a space for them to grow, think and evolve, how do I call out factual inaccuracy without merely molly coddling them?
