Sexual Orientation
Addressing Sexual Orientation in Our Classrooms
Definition of Sexual Orientation:
The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes. Also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share the same attractions.
What does LGBT stand for?
LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
Are Elementary School Children Too Young to be Introduced to this Topic?
At first thought, most of you are probably thinking "Yes". But the truth about it is that children are using LGBT slurs and are bullying their peers as early as kindergarten, first and second grade. The sooner you lay the foundation for accepting people no matter their sexual orientation, the better. As a teacher, if you let bullying and anti-gay slurs go on in your classroom without addressing them, you are enabling children to continue to make such comments throughout their lives.
By addressing this topic early on in elementary school we are hoping to prevent:
By addressing this topic early on in elementary school we are hoping to prevent:
- bullying
- name-calling
- teasing
We are also hoping to provide a safe learning environment for all children.
"Teach Your Children Well"
Teach Your Children Well - A Film About Homophobia and School Violence - Narrated by Lily Tomlin
It's Elementary & It's Still Elementary Documentaries
Websites
Childrens Books
And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell
And Tango Makes Three
Daddy, Papa, and Me by Leslea Newman
Rainbow Family Collections by Jamie Naidoo
Picnic in the Park by Joe Griffiths
Discusses different family structures including:
-Two Parent
-One Parent
-Foster Parents
-Adoptive Parents
-Gay and Lesbian Parents
-Step Families
Discusses different family structures including:
-Two Parent
-One Parent
-Foster Parents
-Adoptive Parents
-Gay and Lesbian Parents
-Step Families
Resources for Teachers
Playgrounds and Prejudice by Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educators Network
Getting Ready for Benjamin: Preparing Teachers for Sexual Diversity in the Classroom