Vicki Hall is in conversation with Sophie and Alex, discussing gender justice and the significance of this work in early childhood education. In a time where gender-based violence is on the rise in Australia, the significance of this work cannot be overstated. Gender equity starts in early childhood, and in this episode Vicki talks us through how they are standing up for children – and how you can too.

Over the last four years, Vicki and her team have been implementing an intentional gender justice curriculum at their kindergarten. This involves raising awareness of and dismantling the pervasive gender stereotypes we see at kindergarten and engaging in myriad ways with the children and families to achieve this goal.

Vicki is currently Co-Director and Teacher in Unit 1A at C&K Paddington Community Kindergarten in Queensland. Vicki has been an early childhood teacher for many years, and loves the challenges and joy in teaching and learning every day. Vicki has worked in @cank.au affiliated kindergartens, Queensland State preschools, Early Education and care in Sydney and Branch C&K Kindergartens.

Vicki was a tutor in early childhood education at QUT whilst completing her Master of Education. Her master’s thesis investigated young children’s reflection and metacognition, and she is a strong advocate of reflection as a way of knowing and learning for young children.

Suggested resources:

‘Supporting gender diversity in early childhood classrooms - practical guide by Encian Pastel et al

‘Raising them’ by Kyl Myers

‘Gender in Early Childhood Education - Implementing a Gender flexible Pedagogy’ by Jo Warin

‘Gender Expansion in Early Childhood Education – building and supporting pro-diversity spaces’ by Rachel Chapman

‘Parenting beyond pink and blue – How to Raise your kids free of gender stereotypes’ Christia Spears Brown

BBC documentary ‘No more girls and boys, can our kids go gender free?’

Youtube ‘Beyond the Blue and Pink toy divide’ Elizabeth Sweet

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