Episode 6: Gender in children's play with Professor Gina Rippon

Throughout this episode, Shaddai Tembo is joined again by Professor Gina Rippon, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, to continue the conversation of keeping gender on the agenda in the early years. 

Touching on her own research and experience, Gina reiterates just how important the first five years are in shaping a child’s brain. Referring to children as ‘gender detectives’ both Gina and Shaddai discuss how play-based experiences have a huge impact on children’s understanding and perspective of gender and sex differences, as well as their social skills and emotional awareness. 

Overcoming gender biases and stereotypes in children’s play is crucial to promoting inclusive practice and this episode offers practical guidance and ideas to help educators challenge gender biases and stereotypes in the early years.

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