Sara Nazemoroaya

 

Learning outcomes: Encouraging children (ages 5-10) to question society norms around gender roles

Materials: Ice packs, Strips of stretchy fabrics, towels, two shoe images of Bata shoe museum

I ask the group to sit on benches, put on the ice packs for some minutes with bare feet to tell me how they feel.

Q: Does it remind you any story?

Imagine walking by them. Would you be able to walk fast? Compare it with the time you are wearing a pair of sneakers.

After, I would help the participants to remove the ice packs and dry their feet. When everyone is ready, we wear our own shoes to march in place. After warming up, I show image of the early strap on skate. I would like everyone to guess what is it?

What do you know about figure skating?

The last object, I would like to present are the shoes worn by Madge Syers. She was the first person competed in figure skating when figure skating was considered masculine sport and females were not invited to compete.

To you, playing sports are feminine? Masculine? Or for everyone?

What is your idea about gender divide in sports?

Homework: Draw your favorite shoes and color it with the colors you really love. Teacher have the possibility to discuss that colors are for everyone, regardless of their genders.