Develop inclusive classroom routines
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Developing an inclusive classroom and curriculum’
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Avoid grouping by gender
Avoid grouping by gender
Gender is often used in the classroom as a way to create groups or divide students.
Trans and gender-diverse students can be excluded when this occurs.
![10945 [Think-outside-the-boxes.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Think-outside-the-boxes__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Develop safe classroom protocols
Develop safe classroom protocols
Review classroom systems to ensure there is a consistent message that no bullying or harassment will be allowed.
Let all students know that they are protected in the classroom.
Support students by:
- knowing your school's anti-bullying policy and communicating this to all students
- responding quickly to any homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments and harassment
- developing confidential classroom systems that allow students to give feedback, share information, or seek help when needed
- recording gender- and sexuality-based harassment in the school’s harassment log
- working with all learners to develop and construct classroom expectations and ways of working that respect everyone.
Review and revise binary approaches
Review and revise binary approaches
Consider how you can move away from binary norms as a feature of your teaching.
Classrooms often reinforce perceptions of sex and gender as binary through:
- identifying “boys” and “girls” activities
- using gendered systems for choosing groups or lining up students
- providing only male and female tick boxes
- using gendered systems for seating arrangements in classrooms and assemblies
- arranging students by gender for class photos.
Alternatives to grouping by gender
Alternatives to grouping by gender
Offer options that support belonging.
When grouping students, consider:
- grouping students by year group
- using birthdays, the initial letters of names, or numbering off
- inviting students to make their own choices.
Take an inclusive approach to calling the roll
Take an inclusive approach to calling the roll
Check with students 1:1 prior to calling the role. Ascertain their chosen name and correct pronouns.
![10946 [Teacher-and-student-using-student-management-system.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Teacher-and-student-using-student-management-system__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Useful resources
Useful resources
How to create inclusive classrooms
A set of action steps to support educators in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates all student differences, including gender.
Publisher: University of Southern California
Ten ways to challenge gender stereotypes in the classroom
Read time: 14 min
Ten ideas teachers can use to create class environments that encourage students to think of themselves as individuals, rather than editing their choices through a gender filter.
Publisher: Let Toys Be Toys – For Girls And Boys
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculum”:
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Current page Develop inclusive classroom routines
Return to the guide “Supporting LGBTIQA+ students”
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Guide to Index of the guide: LGBTIQA+ students
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Strategies for action:
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Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversityShow suggestions for Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversity
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Design inclusive school-wide systems and processesShow suggestions for Design inclusive school-wide systems and processes
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Address immediate environmental, physical and social needsShow suggestions for Address immediate environmental, physical and social needs
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Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculumShow suggestions for Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculum
