Gender Line

What makes someone honest, caring, kind or brave? Are these qualities reserved for some people but not others? In this activity, children sort qualities by gender and have discussions about gender stereotypes.

Goal

For children to expand thinking about gender limitations.

Resources

String/yarn
Clothespins or tape
Gender Quality Cards (Letter Size) click to download
Gender Quality Cards (A4 Size) click to download
Activity Instruction Sheet (optional) click to download

Instructions

Tape a 48” (1.5-meter) string to the wall for display.
On one end attach “Female” card and on the other attach “Male” card.
Look over the deck of Gender Quality cards. Sort them into a spectrum from “Female” to “Male”.
Tape or clip the cards on the string into a spectrum.
Discuss your process with others at the group, remember there are no right/wrong answers in this activity.

Discussion

What are the qualities you admire about your gender and how about the others?
How do you decide if something is “female” or “male”?
Are there any cards that don’t seem “female” or “male” but somewhere in the middle? How does that make you feel seeing words on the line?
What was difficult or easy about this activity?
How does it feel to have your opinion challenged by a different opinion?

Activity Source

Patty Freedman