Strategies to discuss gender expression with young children

In this webinar we were joined by Samuel Broaden, owner and founder of Honoring Childhood! Samuel joined us for an engaging conversation on strategies to discuss gender expression in early childhood. Samuel explored topics of what is gender, and how is gender defined in our early childhood classrooms. He walked us through how we as educators can reflect on our own biases and left us with strategies for how to create a welcoming and supportive classroom for all children. You do not want to miss this webinar!

🎤Our Special Guests:

Samuel Broaden from Honoring Childhood!

Samuel began his career in Child Development in 2005. He always knew that his life’s work was with children. Throughout his career, Samuel has worked in varying positions and aspects of the Child Development field. From being a teacher in classrooms with Infants to School-Age children, to directing various child care centers, to working as a Quality Coach for Family Child Care programs and Child Care Centers, a Forest Kindergarten Teacher and now as a Director of a Montessori Program and owner and Founder of Honoring Childhood. Through his work, Samuel has cultivated his own philosophy for how children grow and learn, which is deeply rooted in the importance of nature and the joy of allowing children to discover who they truly are. Through Honoring Childhood, Samuel hopes to inspire teachers, administrators, parents, guardians, friends and the world to think differently about childhood and what it means and to work together to create a more kind and beautiful world. He currently resides in Oregon with his husband, Perry and their dogs Oliver and Baby Bear Bear. 

🧪Key Learning Outcomes from Samuel!

• In order to support children in gender expression, we need to examine and reflect on our own biases first.
• Recognizing our biases is the first step to working through them and supporting children. Do not feel ashamed as you start this process.
• Our job as educators is to support and create a welcoming environment for all children. Labeling certain terms as “bad” can cause shame in young children and lead to issues with self-confidence as they grow.
• If we cannot recognize our own bias, privilege and our deeply rooted feelings, we cannot support all children.
• Allow children to explore gender expressions through dramatic play, art, and dance and through curiosity and questions.
• Early childhood is an important time when children begin their journey of gender identity and expression. It is important we create a safe and non-judgemental space for children in this time.

✨Resources

• [Website] – Honoring Childhood!
• [Instagram] – @honoringchildhood
• [Linktree] – Honoring Childhood

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