LGBT+ education for the youngest level
There are LGBT+ children in all schools and they are a diverse group, just like other children. Here is a toolbox with materials for LGBT+ education for the youngest level, which includes various content such as books, teaching ideas, and videos. The materials are organized by type to make it easier for teachers to search for what they need.
The Gender Unicorn and the Genderbread Person
Here are images with explanations of the terms sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, and sex characteristics. The images are good tools for teaching children the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and who people are attracted to.
We are One Family
Project taken from the human rights education book Compasito. The project aims to promote tolerance towards diversity and that which is different from the conventional. Subject: Equality - Stereotypes - LGBT+ - Diversity
Short cartoons featuring LGBT+ themes
Three short cartoons featuring LGBT+ characters. The cartoons can be icebreakers on LGBT+ issues, emotions, and love. In the adventure of Rosalind, there is also a break from stereotypes as the princess is strong, independent, and doesn't need outside help. Connection to the educational policy: Social skills, Health, Empowerment
In a Heartbeat
The Bravest Knight
Rosalind
Books addressing LGBT+ issues
A Family Is a Family Is a Family is a book in English about diverse family structures. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, and stereotypes.
A Plan for Pops is a book in English about a young boy who spends a lot of time with his gay grandfather.
Are You a Boy or a Girl? is a book in English that is useful for discussing LGBT+ topics with the youngest generation.
Askur and the Princess is an adventure story for children about Askur who is trying to save a princess. The story includes LGBT+ side characters who fall in love.
My Family is a book that celebrates the diversity found in modern families and educates children about different family structures.
I am Jazz is a book in English about a transgender girl named Jazz. The book comes with teaching guidelines.
It Feels Good to be Yourself: a book about gender identity discusses gender identity and can help discuss the topic respectfully.
It's Okay to be Different is a book in English that celebrates diversity. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Trans
Jacob's New Dress is a book in English about Jacob, who enjoys wearing dresses. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Transgender - Stereotypes
Júlían er hafmeyja (Julián Is a Mermaid) is a beautifully illustrated book about Julián who loves mermaids and enjoys dressing up as a mermaid. The book comes with teaching guidelines. This book is also available in English.
Julián at the Wedding is a beautifully illustrated book in English about Julián who loves mermaids. This sequel tells the story of when Julián goes to a wedding.
Gender is Diverse is a beautiful picture book about gender identity and gender expression.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress is a book in English about a young boy who loves to wear his favorite dress and does not let others' prejudice stop him.
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink is a book in English that shows princesses doing a variety of things in all kinds of clothes, such as competing in sports and using tools. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, stereotypes, and gender roles.
Super Soft Heroes / Super Strong Princesses are coloring books with superheroes and princesses that dismantle stereotypes and gender roles, by Swedish artist Linnea Johanson.
Phoenix Goes to School: a Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children is about a trans girl named Phoenix and her first day at a new school.
The Princes and the Treasure is a story about Princes Hugo and Magnus who get married at the end of the tale.
Sparkle Boy is a book in English about a boy named Casey who loves everything that sparkles and shines. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, stereotypes, and gender roles.
The Sissy Duckling is a book about a duckling who goes his own way. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Stereotypes - Gender roles - Trans
Be Yourself is a book that tells colorful stories of diversity and encourages open-mindedness and prejudice-free attitudes.
When Aidan Became a Brother is a book about a trans boy.
Who Are You? : The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity discusses gender identity and helps facilitate respectful conversations about it.
When Rósa was Ragnar / When Friðrik was Fríða is a book intended to spark discussions with young children about gender roles and equality. The book comes with teaching guidelines.
LGBT+ children and families
It is important to understand that parents, guardians, and student families may be LGBT+. A number of factors need to be considered to ensure that LGBT+ families are included and feel welcomed and expected, and also so that students do not experience exclusion or divergence for having a LGBT+ family. There is a need to consider how families are addressed, who is expected on forms, how people are invited to participate in school activities, how families are spoken about in the classroom, etc. Minority stress also needs to be considered when working with LGBT+ parents and guardians.
It is therefore important to make it clear that LGBT+ families are welcome. Just as with students, it is worth asking yourself: "How do LGBT+ parents and families know they are welcome and that a supportive environment is available here?" It's possible that school staff may have children, parents, siblings, or other family members who are LGBT+, making it crucial to ensure LGBT+ friendly discourse.