Question: How might we begin to address the ways in which the systems that we teach our curriculum in are intrinsically homophonic, transphobic, biphobic and oppressive towards queer and trans people? What does integrating queerness into curriculum studies mean to you? What will it look like, sound like, feel like in your classroom? Which rule/discourse should the teacher follow: providing the duty of care for all students, or maintaining a classroom free from any notion of sexuality?
How might we begin to address the ways in which the systems that we teach our curriculum in are intrinsically homophonic, transphobic, biphobic and oppressive towards queer and trans people?
Within the school systems, we can address the way we teach the curriculum are homophonic, transphobic, biphobic and oppressive towards queer and trans people through possible guest speakers being a part of the LGBTQ+ Community. This would allow those students to feel related to both each other as well as the guest speaker. This becomes important because it brings in a connection for the students that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as for other students who are not in that community to understand the worries and some struggles the other students may have to go through to not only be accepted into society, but also the fact that students within elementary do not have a large understanding of their sexuality, or identity yet. Having a guest speaker may actually help students who are lost and confused about their identity find it and help them grow into the person they want to be.
What does integrating queerness into curriculum studies mean to you? What will it look like, sound like, feel like in your classroom?
To me, integrating queerness into curriculum studies means that the students within the school feel safe. This also means giving the students a welcoming and understanding environment that they can feel free to express themselves in whichever way they feel. Another way could be by integrating stories or topics that include the LGBTQ+ community in order to allow the students the opportunity to relate themselves or others they know to the topic of discussion.
Which rule/discourse should the teacher follow: providing the duty of care for all students, or maintaining a classroom free from any notion of sexuality?
I personally believe that teachers duty is to care for all students, whether they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. This allows the students to feel like they are all equal, yet may allow for some students to feel comfortable enough to talk to you about their identity issues or any issues. Understanding the fact that all students need different methods of teaching will also provide a more understanding; if the students know we care it will open them up to possible topic discussions or might avoid the negative impacts that some teachers place on students they know are a part of the LGBTQ+ Community.
Hello, Savannah within this week reflection you made some amazing points in your work. I agree with bring topics and guest speaker revolving around diversty in the LGBTQ+ Community. This can bring the classroom to bring a safe environment for all the students. I think this is the teacher’s duty to make students feel safe and welcome and I believe these steps can begin this.