Understanding and using pronouns is a foundational aspect of language development, and it’s becoming increasingly important to introduce this concept early in education. While there isn’t a specific grade universally designated for learning pronouns, elementary school is the ideal time to start building this understanding. This article, adapted from a blog post by Ace Schwarz of Teaching Outside The Binary, will guide educators on how to introduce pronouns in elementary grades, creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment from the ground up.
Why Introduce Pronouns in Elementary School?
It’s a common misconception that pronoun discussions are only relevant for older students when gender identity becomes a more prominent topic. However, teaching pronouns in elementary school is about more than gender—it’s about basic language skills, respect, and creating a classroom where every student feels seen and valued.
Introducing pronouns early normalizes the practice of acknowledging and respecting individual identities. It lays the groundwork for empathy and understanding differences among peers. By starting these conversations in kindergarten through fifth grade, we equip students with the language and awareness necessary for respectful communication throughout their lives. It’s about linguistic accuracy and social-emotional learning, not just about gender identity.
Practical Strategies for Introducing Pronouns in Elementary Grades
Integrating pronoun education into elementary classrooms can be done thoughtfully and age-appropriately. Here are practical strategies, inspired by Ace Schwarz’s approach, to help educators introduce pronouns effectively:
1. Start with Individual Conversations
Before the school year even begins, initiate private, one-on-one conversations with students and families. Home visits or individual meetings are perfect opportunities to ask about preferred names and pronouns. A simple and direct approach is best.
For example, you could say: “When we talk about teachers, we might say, ‘Ms. Smith is our teacher.’ Or, ‘She is our teacher, and her classroom is fun.’ ‘She’ and ‘her’ are my pronouns. When I talk about you and don’t say your name, what pronouns would you like me to use?”
Record this information alongside the child’s name and preferred name in your records. It’s crucial to have these conversations individually with younger students to ensure they understand the concept and feel comfortable answering. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable for children to be unsure of their pronouns or to change them as they learn and grow.
2. Utilize Children’s Literature
Books are powerful tools for introducing complex concepts in an accessible way. Select books that explicitly teach about pronouns or subtly incorporate diverse pronouns to normalize their usage.
Foundational texts include:
- They, She, He, Me: Free to Be and They, She, He, Me, Easy as ABC by Maya and Matthew. These books are excellent starting points for young learners.
- What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke, which directly addresses the concept of pronouns in a child-friendly manner.
Further reading to expand understanding and practice:
- Neither by Airlie Anderson, which helps children understand the need for pronouns beyond “he/him” and “she/her.”
- From The Stars In The Sky To The Fish in The Sea by Kai Cheng Thom, and Peanut Goes For The Gold by Jonathan Van Ness, both seamlessly integrate they/them pronouns.
- When Aidan Became A Brother by Kyle Lukoff, and It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn, which offer diverse representation and pronoun usage in storytelling.
3. Introduce a Class Mascot with Pronouns
A class pet (real or stuffed) can be a fun and engaging way to practice pronoun usage as a class. When introducing the mascot, explicitly state their pronouns.
For instance: “Meet our class mascot, Terry the Turtle! When we talk about Terry without saying their name, we’ll use ‘they’ and ‘them.’ ‘They have a green shell,’ or ‘Look at them swim!’ Terry’s pronouns are they/them.”
This method allows students to practice using different pronouns in a low-pressure, playful context before applying them to people.
4. Create a Class Pronoun Book
Collaboratively creating a class pronoun book is a wonderful culminating activity. This can be adapted for different grade levels.
- K-1st Grade: Students can draw self-portraits and write their pronouns underneath.
- 2nd-3rd Grade: Students can interview classmates and write a page about their partner, such as, “This is Alex. They like to read.”
- 4th-5th Grade: Students might create identity maps and choose whether to share them with the class or just the teacher, including their pronouns if they wish.
Participation in the pronoun book should always be voluntary. Students who aren’t ready to share their pronouns can simply use their names in the book.
Conclusion
Introducing pronouns in elementary school is not just about grammar—it’s about fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and understanding. By implementing these strategies, educators can create a classroom environment where all students feel safe, seen, and affirmed in their identities from a young age. This foundational work ensures that as students progress through their education, they are already equipped with the language and sensitivity to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
