October is LGBTQ+ History Month! If you’d like some guidance talking to children about the diverse history of the continuing fight for LGBTQ equality, Teaching Tolerance has an extensive collection of lesson plans geared toward K-2 or Grade 3-5 students. Though the lessons are created specifically for classroom use, parents and caregivers may find many elements useful in their own discussions.
There is a lesson that teaches children about the rainbow flag and pink triangle as common symbols of the community, and also encourages children to think about what other images they’ve seen that may symbolize something they never realized.
There are lessons about how words can hurt, why gender stereotypes are dangerous, why representation matters in children’s literature, and how to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
And for children with LGBTQ parents, children in nuclear families, and all the children in between, there’s a scavenger hunt for 10 different kinds of families.
The lesson plans are thorough and thoughtful, the ideas are encouraging and realistic…perfect for raising thoughtful, realistic and strong young leaders.