PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MEN ON SUPPORTING GENDER EQUALITY
After this morning’s conversation with my 22-year-old daughter, we concluded more and more young men want to know how they can be active participants in the journey towards gender equality. They are just stumped in how to do this without reverting to, ‘Hey! I’m a nice guy! It’s not me!’ Here are some practical tips for men on how they can modify behaviours that contribute to gender inequality so that girls and women and those who identify as female feel safe and supported. 1. Be empathic. Imagine what it’s like for women to always be on the alert. (Provide examples...
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MEN ON SUPPORTING GENDER EQUALITY
After this morning’s conversation with my 22-year-old daughter, we concluded more and more young men want to know how they can be active participants in the journey towards gender equality. They are just stumped in how to do this without reverting to, ‘Hey! I’m a nice guy! It’s not me!’ Here are some practical tips for men on how they can modify behaviours that contribute to gender inequality so that girls and women and those who identify as female feel safe and supported. 1. Be empathic. Imagine what it’s like for women to always be on the alert. (Provide examples...
ROLE PLAY: CONSENT ‘WHAT-IFS?’
When it comes to teaching children consent, we know some parents, carers and educators are unsure where to start. Here are some ideas for role-playing different scenarios to help educate and empower children. It helps them to rehearse what to do and say in an uncomfortable situation. Practicing scenarios increases their chance of knowing exactly what to do or say if a situation does occur and lessens the likelihood of them ‘freezing’. Plus, the connection is fun! Give it a try, but before you start, make sure you decide on who is playing which part and that the child has...
ROLE PLAY: CONSENT ‘WHAT-IFS?’
When it comes to teaching children consent, we know some parents, carers and educators are unsure where to start. Here are some ideas for role-playing different scenarios to help educate and empower children. It helps them to rehearse what to do and say in an uncomfortable situation. Practicing scenarios increases their chance of knowing exactly what to do or say if a situation does occur and lessens the likelihood of them ‘freezing’. Plus, the connection is fun! Give it a try, but before you start, make sure you decide on who is playing which part and that the child has...
What CONSENT looks like with a non-verbal child
Teaching consent with a non-verbal child is about respecting their body boundary and explaining to them what you are doing as you interact with them. Here are some examples: “I’m just going to pop you in the car seat so you will be safe. This won’t take long. I will need you to move your arms up so I can fit the straps over them. We did it! Thank you so much!” “See this big bottle. This is shampoo. I’m just going to wash your hair with the shampoo so your hair smells fresh and clean.” “Oh look! These are...
What CONSENT looks like with a non-verbal child
Teaching consent with a non-verbal child is about respecting their body boundary and explaining to them what you are doing as you interact with them. Here are some examples: “I’m just going to pop you in the car seat so you will be safe. This won’t take long. I will need you to move your arms up so I can fit the straps over them. We did it! Thank you so much!” “See this big bottle. This is shampoo. I’m just going to wash your hair with the shampoo so your hair smells fresh and clean.” “Oh look! These are...
Consent should be taught to children as soon as they begin to speak
Our favourite award-winning author, educator and advocate, Jayneen Sanders passionately believes children should be taught consent as early as two years of age, or as soon as a child begins to speak. She fiercely believes that teaching these crucial concepts to children from an early age will help them develop self-confidence and forge respectful relationships as teenagers and then adults, and be more considerate and empathetic individuals knowing that everyone has the right to feel safe. Jayneen has actively advocated for body safety, gender equality and respectful relationship education being taught both in homes and in schools for over twelve years....
Consent should be taught to children as soon as they begin to speak
Our favourite award-winning author, educator and advocate, Jayneen Sanders passionately believes children should be taught consent as early as two years of age, or as soon as a child begins to speak. She fiercely believes that teaching these crucial concepts to children from an early age will help them develop self-confidence and forge respectful relationships as teenagers and then adults, and be more considerate and empathetic individuals knowing that everyone has the right to feel safe. Jayneen has actively advocated for body safety, gender equality and respectful relationship education being taught both in homes and in schools for over twelve years....
How and Why to Avoid Asking 'Why?' in the Classroom
When questioning children on their thoughts, feelings and actions, try to avoid the use of the word ‘why’. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, ‘why’ holds negative connotations for many children. For example, when they’ve done something wrong, the first question that many people ask is, ‘Why did you do that?’ Secondly, ‘why’ is a very difficult question to answer — it requires us to look at the motivations behind our actions and feelings, which a lot of children won’t know — and will simply respond with ‘I don’t know’. Instead, re-phrase questions using ‘how’ or ‘what’ —...
How and Why to Avoid Asking 'Why?' in the Classroom
When questioning children on their thoughts, feelings and actions, try to avoid the use of the word ‘why’. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, ‘why’ holds negative connotations for many children. For example, when they’ve done something wrong, the first question that many people ask is, ‘Why did you do that?’ Secondly, ‘why’ is a very difficult question to answer — it requires us to look at the motivations behind our actions and feelings, which a lot of children won’t know — and will simply respond with ‘I don’t know’. Instead, re-phrase questions using ‘how’ or ‘what’ —...
How to Conduct ‘Circle Time’ in the Classroom
‘Circle Time’ is a valuable classroom practice to settle the class and touch base with how students are travelling each day. Given that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, this is a great exercise for creating and maintaining open communication within the classroom - both peer-to-peer as well as between teacher and students. During Circle Time, students each take turns to share their ideas and thoughts on a given discussion topic. Only one person speaks at a time — you may use a ‘talking stick’ like a soft toy to monitor who is the active...
How to Conduct ‘Circle Time’ in the Classroom
‘Circle Time’ is a valuable classroom practice to settle the class and touch base with how students are travelling each day. Given that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, this is a great exercise for creating and maintaining open communication within the classroom - both peer-to-peer as well as between teacher and students. During Circle Time, students each take turns to share their ideas and thoughts on a given discussion topic. Only one person speaks at a time — you may use a ‘talking stick’ like a soft toy to monitor who is the active...
Raising 'Good' Boys
As parents we are well versed in the age old art of worrying. From the moment we realise we are going to become a mother or father our excitement is also mixed with apprehension. Will I be a good parent? What if I get it wrong? What if I mess them up? As a mother of both a son and daughter, I feel the burden of responsibility weighing more heavily in regard to raising my son. We often hear parents expressing their concern for their daughters – their safety, and how they will be treated by boys and men. And...
Raising 'Good' Boys
As parents we are well versed in the age old art of worrying. From the moment we realise we are going to become a mother or father our excitement is also mixed with apprehension. Will I be a good parent? What if I get it wrong? What if I mess them up? As a mother of both a son and daughter, I feel the burden of responsibility weighing more heavily in regard to raising my son. We often hear parents expressing their concern for their daughters – their safety, and how they will be treated by boys and men. And...
I'm NOT Sorry!
“Bess,” said Nana. “Say sorry.” “But I’m NOT sorry,” replied Bess. “Ty pushed me off the swing, so I pushed him back.” We’ve heard it all before — girls, from a young age, told to say sorry. To be polite. To have their manners. To be a good girl. To cause no waves. To keep the peace. But what if they’re NOT sorry? What if they were simply standing up for their rights? What if they didn’t like what the person had said or done to them? What if they wanted to use THEIR voice? Times...
I'm NOT Sorry!
“Bess,” said Nana. “Say sorry.” “But I’m NOT sorry,” replied Bess. “Ty pushed me off the swing, so I pushed him back.” We’ve heard it all before — girls, from a young age, told to say sorry. To be polite. To have their manners. To be a good girl. To cause no waves. To keep the peace. But what if they’re NOT sorry? What if they were simply standing up for their rights? What if they didn’t like what the person had said or done to them? What if they wanted to use THEIR voice? Times...
Jayneen Sanders' book wins Silver Award in the 2019 Foreword INDIES!
WE’RE CELEBRATING individuality, equality, diversity, empathy and kindness. Winner of the SILVER Award for Children's Picture Books (early reader) in the Foreword Reviews 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards! The Not-So-Perfect Princess and the Not-So-Dreadful Dragon is a fairy tale style story, written by Jayneen Sanders and illustrated by Paula J. Becker. Best suited for children aged 4 to 10 years. Princess Petal is NOT what you would expect the 'perfect' princess to be. In fact, she is quite the opposite. An enchanting tale about friendship, diversity, acceptance and being exactly who we are meant to be....
Jayneen Sanders' book wins Silver Award in the 2019 Foreword INDIES!
WE’RE CELEBRATING individuality, equality, diversity, empathy and kindness. Winner of the SILVER Award for Children's Picture Books (early reader) in the Foreword Reviews 2019 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards! The Not-So-Perfect Princess and the Not-So-Dreadful Dragon is a fairy tale style story, written by Jayneen Sanders and illustrated by Paula J. Becker. Best suited for children aged 4 to 10 years. Princess Petal is NOT what you would expect the 'perfect' princess to be. In fact, she is quite the opposite. An enchanting tale about friendship, diversity, acceptance and being exactly who we are meant to be....
What can we do to combat Racism?
In the world right now, and particularly in the U.S.A. there is a lot of unrest, unhappiness, fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness due to the still ever present acts of racism and particularly injustices against people of coloured skin. For those of us who are lucky to live and work in places where people are accepting and appreciative of our differences, we can see what is happening, see the pain and suffering — but wonder, how can we really help? How can WE make a difference? In localities where racism is rife, peaceful protesting (raising awareness), joining politics (being a leader...
What can we do to combat Racism?
In the world right now, and particularly in the U.S.A. there is a lot of unrest, unhappiness, fear, anger, frustration, hopelessness due to the still ever present acts of racism and particularly injustices against people of coloured skin. For those of us who are lucky to live and work in places where people are accepting and appreciative of our differences, we can see what is happening, see the pain and suffering — but wonder, how can we really help? How can WE make a difference? In localities where racism is rife, peaceful protesting (raising awareness), joining politics (being a leader...
5 Points to Consider: Helping Kids Return to School post COVID Isolation
As kids begin returning to school, many may be feeling anxious about leaving their carers, going outside where ‘germs’ may be lurking, reuniting with friends, and even wondering if friendship groups will still exist. Some kids may be super happy about going back to school and yet, in time, the return may not live up to their expectations. Once in the classroom, some kids will find it hard to concentrate on ‘academic’ studies and may find it hard to focus on day-to-day learning of maths and spelling, for example. Times are turbulent for us and they are turbulent for kids....
5 Points to Consider: Helping Kids Return to School post COVID Isolation
As kids begin returning to school, many may be feeling anxious about leaving their carers, going outside where ‘germs’ may be lurking, reuniting with friends, and even wondering if friendship groups will still exist. Some kids may be super happy about going back to school and yet, in time, the return may not live up to their expectations. Once in the classroom, some kids will find it hard to concentrate on ‘academic’ studies and may find it hard to focus on day-to-day learning of maths and spelling, for example. Times are turbulent for us and they are turbulent for kids....
12 Things I Want All Beginning Teachers to Know
1. You are incredibly powerful. You can make an enormous difference to a child’s self-esteem, confidence and well-being. Talking to and treating a child with respect is key to them developing self-belief. You have an opportunity every single day to enhance a child’s self-confidence. 2. It’s the little things that matter. Asking a child how they are, and really listening to their reply is super important. Making that child (and every child) feel like they matter is powerful. So kneel down, place yourself at their level and listen. Try to understand the world from their perspective and always choose compassion...
12 Things I Want All Beginning Teachers to Know
1. You are incredibly powerful. You can make an enormous difference to a child’s self-esteem, confidence and well-being. Talking to and treating a child with respect is key to them developing self-belief. You have an opportunity every single day to enhance a child’s self-confidence. 2. It’s the little things that matter. Asking a child how they are, and really listening to their reply is super important. Making that child (and every child) feel like they matter is powerful. So kneel down, place yourself at their level and listen. Try to understand the world from their perspective and always choose compassion...