Vignette
Gender bias is prevalent issue in preschool, a worrying trend that has been largely caused by children modelling their behavior after adults: Parents, Caregivers and teachers. A group of 6 years old children were playing catching during outdoor play. While running, a boy (Lionel), tripped and fell to the ground. He cried loudly as he tried to push himself up from the ground. Two girls and the class teacher approached him and they started a conversation:
Teacher: “Oh dear Lionel, Are you ok? Come let me take a look.” Girl A and B: “Are you ok?” Lionel: “It is very pain. I fell down.” Girl A: “The pain will go away soon.” Girl B: “Why are you crying?” Girl B: “Boys cannot cry you know?” Girl A: “Ya, my mummy say boys cannot cry. Shame, shame.” Teacher: “Oh, your mummy said that? It is ok to cry children, Lionel is in great pain now.” Girl B: My didi (little brother) also never cry when he fall down. He is a boy you know?” Lionel: “But it is pain you know? Now got blood. You see my knee?” Teacher: Why can’t boys cry?” Child A: Because they are not baby. Only babies cry a lot.” Teacher: “You mean it is ok for a baby boy to cry?” Child A: “Yes. Baby boys are small and they cannot talk. So cry they lah. But Lionel is so big. He can talk.” Child B:
This program provide opportunities for parents/caregivers to participate in and contribute to their children’s school experiences and learn more about children’s development and ways to help them learn, thus being more confident and effective parents. Home surveys can be done prior to such programs to understand the area of need/s to be discussed or highlighted during workshops. This will help educators to stay focus on topic and discussion can be more in depth and fruitful. Through regular workshops conducted, I believe it will help to raise their awareness in how they can communicate better to discourage gender stereotypes in their