The realization of gender identity by preschool children does not happen by itself. The concept of belonging to a particular sex in a child is formed through education, which he receives in the family and kindergarten. For the first time the idea of the existence of two sexes, male and female, appears in children in two years. Gradually the children begin to relate themselves to one of them.
Why do we need a gender approach in education?
The tasks of creating ideas about the signs of male and female gender in children are facing children's preschool institutions and families. In kindergartens, whole programs for the gender education of children are being implemented. The importance of this approach is that boys and girls perceive the world in different ways and also think differently.
Games conducted within the framework of activities for gender education, allow children to later understand to which sex they themselves are. Children also have ideas about how they should behave. Those children who behave differently from the norms adopted by the other children may not take them. The manifestation of this is the condemnation and non-acceptance by boys of other boys who demonstrate the manifestation of female signs of behavior. Similarly, girls and those of them, whose behavior corresponds to the boyish one, are not accepted by the girls. Alienated by their groups, children easily flow into those whose behavior they demonstrate.
The essence of the gender approach in education is not only the understanding of the qualities inherent in different sexes, but also the formation of tolerance for boys and girls towards each other.
Clear manifestations of the child's gender identity are toys and clothes, which he seeks to dress. If the interest in games and clothes of the opposite sex is too pronounced, then it is necessary to pay attention to this aspect of the upbringing of the child.
The gender approach in physical education
Gender peculiarities exist in the physical education of children. Boys and girls are initially focused on different types of motor activity. Girls are suitable for activities aimed at developing rhythm, smoothness and flexibility, and classes with boys suggest the development of endurance, endurance and speed. In accordance with this, games are selected for them, a different number of repetitions and the duration of the exercises are determined.
Boys are focused on those physical games and exercises in which they can demonstrate their own strength and speed. Examples of such games are wrestling, jogging and throwing objects. Girls are closer games with ropes, ribbons and ball. It is in such occupations that they can manifest themselves as much as possible, since the frequency of movement of their hands is much higher than that of boys.
Modern requirements to gender education programs
Recently, experts recommend to approach the issues of gender education of children in a comprehensive manner. They should be developed comprehensively, instilling in them the qualities of both sexes. This is due to the fact that the society puts forward a few other requirements to the sexes. Modern women are forced to be more determined and effective, and boys must be able to sympathize with others. So, girls are brought up with determination, and in boys tolerance and the ability to empathize.
Having signs of behavior, inherent in both sexes child will be easier to adapt to the demands of the modern world. It is important at the same time to observe the balance, as blurring the boundaries between masculine and feminine qualities will adversely affect the child's social development.