Equal Voices
Equal Voices is a dynamic, age-appropriate gender equality program for upper elementary students that builds awareness of fairness, identity, and respectful relationships. Through literature, discussions, group activities, and real-world examples, students examine gender roles, stereotypes, and how to treat others equitably. The program emphasizes critical thinking, kindness, and student agency, helping learners challenge bias, appreciate diversity, and promote fairness in their classrooms, families, and communities.
🎯 Program Goals:
📚 What Students Will Learn:
🧠 Sample Activities:
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Help students recognize and challenge gender stereotypes.
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Promote respect for all individuals, regardless of gender expression or identity.
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Encourage equitable participation in group work, play, leadership, and learning.
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Develop empathy, self-awareness, and allyship.
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Empower students to identify unfairness and speak up respectfully.
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
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Identify common gender stereotypes in media, school, and society.
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Understand that interests, emotions, and strengths are not tied to gender.
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Recognize and describe unfair or biased behavior.
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Express pride in their identities and appreciate others’ uniqueness.
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Practice inclusive behavior and respectful language in daily interactions.
📖 Literature Circles & Book Chats
Use inclusive, stereotype-challenging books like:
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Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
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Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen
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Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf
➤ Discuss: “What makes this story fair or unfair?” “How do characters challenge expectations?”
🧠 Stereotype Sort & Discussion
Create a class anchor chart: “True for Everyone / Stereotype.”
Give students examples:
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“Only boys like sports”
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“Girls can be leaders”
Students place statements in the correct column and explain their reasoning.
🖼 “I Am More Than…” Poster Project
Students complete:
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“I am more than just a [girl/boy/etc.], I am...”
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Include talents, dreams, emotions, hobbies, etc.
🎨 Create-a-Hero Challenge
Students design a superhero who breaks stereotypes (e.g., a male caregiver, a female builder, a nonbinary environmental scientist).
Present to classmates with a short story or comic strip.
🌿 Environmental & Social Connections
🎁 Wrap-Up Projects:
📈 Program Outcomes:
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Classroom Equity Check:
Students assess fairness in materials, books, and roles: Are all genders represented? Who gets to lead? -
Media Literacy & Advertisement Hunt:
Look at toy or clothing ads and discuss who is represented and how.
➤ “Are they showing that only some kids can do certain things?” -
Community Role Model Interviews:
Students interview adults in nontraditional roles (e.g., male nurses, female mechanics, nonbinary artists) and share their stories. -
Global Connections:
Explore how children in other countries experience gender roles. Compare and contrast experiences and fairness.
🗣 “Fairness Pledge”
Students write and decorate a pledge about how they will treat others fairly and challenge stereotypes.
🖼 Collaborative Wall Mural: “We All Belong”
Each student contributes an image of themselves doing something they love or aspire to do, labeled with the phrase:
➤ “Everyone can…” (lead, dance, fix, explore, care, build, etc.)
🎙 Classroom Podcast or Presentation
Groups create a short audio recording or skit discussing what they learned about gender equality and how they’ll make a difference.
📚 “Class Book of Equity”
Each student contributes a page:
➤ “One thing I used to think about gender was…”
➤ “Now I know…”
➤ “I will treat others fairly by…”
By the end of the program, students will:
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Understand that abilities and interests are not limited by gender.
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Recognize and challenge common stereotypes in school, media, and peer interactions.
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Communicate and act with empathy and respect toward people of all gender identities.
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Collaborate inclusively in learning and play.
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Take personal responsibility for fairness and equity in their community.