By using carefully selected children's literature and related curricular activities, and including parents and community members in information sessions and newsletters, teachers can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals who are transgender and/or those who live in diverse families. As children see positive depictions of children…

The author's personal experiences indicate that, unfortunately, Appalachian culture in particular has been overlooked in many areas of literature and life. Major bookstores located in the Appalachian region frequently lack sections featuring Appalachian picturebooks. Her experiences with schools also indicate that living in Appalachia does not…

How children's books portray various groups is very important for educators to consider. In many literate cultures, values and attitudes are transmitted through storytelling, often involving the use of children's books. Young children usually enjoy having a book read to them. Unfortunately, children's literature traditionally has not been…

Briefly discusses the concept of ageism, the stereotyping of groups of people on the basis of age, and lists resources including books, articles and organizations which can be used to combat ageism. (BR)

The author discusses his belief that education of the group toward humane and considerate behavior is as much a part of the responsibility of the teacher as is the education of the individual. Examples are given of children's herd reaction and their stereotyping of individuals. (MS)

Discusses sex-role research and important factors to be considered in relation to a child's sex-role development. (ST)

Individuals should address prejudicial statements made in their presence by pulling the prejudice out of the comment and restating it in a calm and objective way; stating their own personal beliefs clearly and assertively; making a positive statement about the specific subjects of the prejudice; and gently turning the subject to a new direction.…

Teachers must learn to recognize and eliminate gender bias, because it can limit students' ambitions and accomplishments (Sanders, 2003). A gender-neutral position practiced by teachers recognizes individual and group differences, and believes that both girls and boys can reach their fullest potential if they are sensitive to the quality and level…

Reviews research findings about aging and the elderly. Presents results of an 18-month examination of the portrayal of age in 656 Juvenile Picture and Easy Reader books aimed at children ages 3 to 9. (BR)

Reviews articles in the Journal of Research in Childhood Education, Volume 5, Number 1, 1990. Topics include young children's oral language; effects of realistic versus nonrealistic play; textbook choice; written response to stereotypical and nonstereotypical story starters; and computers and kindergarten language development. (DG)

Highlights some common misunderstandings of multicultural education that impede understanding among minority children. Provides society-, school-, family-, and child-related justifications for intercultural understanding among children from different minority groups. Offers suggestions for an ideal intercultural program, focusing on schools'…

Examines the use of biased language by early childhood teachers when referring to family or parents in the classroom. Discusses the effects of such biased language on children and offers three reasons why teachers may use language that fails to reflect the diverse and changing nature of today's family structure. (TJQ)

Examines young children's gender role development, focusing on the impact of television viewing. Maintains that role models and imitation are extremely influential factors shaping gender-typed behavior. Identifies gender bias in television programming, including music television and commercials, and discusses gender bias in children's television…

Counsel on ways to overcome communications blocks. (Editor)