Blog Post 10

    I took a look at the thoughtful approach to student support in the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's guidance for transgender and gender nonconforming. This document is worth reading whether you're interested in education or just creating a more inclusive environment. Making sure transgender and gender nonconforming kids feel valued, secure, and validated in their educational settings is the main goal of the guidelines. It highlights the importance of using the names and pronouns that students have selected, which may seem like a little detail but has a big impact. Think about how lonely it would be to have friends and teachers overlook or reject your identity. Schools take a step toward creating a sense of belonging and trust by encouraging staff to accept kids' gender identities.

    I also liked the instructions on facility access. It is recommended that schools allow children to use locker rooms and restrooms that match with their gender identity. This may seem obvious to some, but for transgender children, being able to make their own decisions without worrying about criticism or negative reactions can significantly improve their daily comfort level at school. The guidelines' emphasis on staff and teacher education and training is another excellent feature. It's okay that not all educators enter their positions prepared to deal with these problems. The most important things are a readiness to study and the setting up of an atmosphere that allows all pupils, irrespective of gender identity, to succeed.   The guidelines guarantee that the ideas are actively implemented rather than only being written down by providing tools and suggestions for growth as a professional. 

    I recently came across the YouTube video "Woke Read Alouds: They, She, He Easy as ABC." I must admit after seeing it that it was both informative and interesting. The book They, She, He Easy as ABC by Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez is read aloud in the video. In a straightforward, imaginative, and inclusive manner, the book introduces children to pronouns through the alphabet. Every letter contains a humorous rhyme that highlights respect for people's identities and clarifies how pronouns function. "A is for Ally, who is prepared to stand," for instance. The letter B stands for "bi-gender," which is a gender mix. 

    The most striking thing to me was how approachable and natural the message felt. The book presents gender diversity and pronouns as a natural aspect of life rather than as something unduly complex or contentious. It's about celebrating difference, listening to others, and being compassionate. To be honest, hearing that message can be beneficial for both adults and children.