Talking about diversity
Feeling safe and being able to be yourself: that is something we wish for everyone. Yet in every class there are children who more often feel that they do not meet the expectations of what it means to be ‘a girl’ or ‘a boy’. Or they feel that their (home) situation differs from the ‘norm’.
It is important that children are given space to share stories. About how you can feel, who you can fall in love with and what you can look like. In this way, you help them experience that diversity exists and that it is welcome. By making room for diversity, you create a safer atmosphere for all students to be themselves. The conversation cards can help with this.
Free Conversation Cards
The material consists of a free downloadable PDF with 20 conversation cards. The cards contain questions that you can ask children. This stimulates children's curiosity and creativity. You can then discuss the answers together. The material includes a brief explanation of how to use the cards.
A safe setting
When discussing the cards, children reveal something personal about themselves. It is therefore important that the atmosphere in your class is sufficiently safe and familiar. Also because there may be an LGBTQ+ student in your class. At www.gendi.nl you will find tips for a safe class discussion and a clear step-by-step plan for a safe conversation.
Gendi for inspiration
Would you like to make more room for gender and sexual diversity in the classroom and at school? Then visit the Gendi.nl website for inspiration, tools and teaching materials. Gendi is an initiative of School & Veiligheid.