Pre-school and kindergarten are often the first time children really start to think about the differences between boys and girls. Children generally know that there are boys and girls and that they are different, but when they start school, they often become more aware of those differences. Girls now have cooties, and boys are gross. It is in elementary school where children start to learn about social constructions of gender. They learn that girls wear skirts and play with dolls and that boys play with bugs and play sports. All of these issues start to shape the way they perceive themselves and others around them.
By junior high school, students have learned about and possibly accepted social constructions of gender. Ideas such as boys being better at math and science begin to circulate and become an issue in classroom. These can cause boys to stress out and girls to either strive to work harder or feel discouraged. Girls are encouraged to be neat and well-mannered, while boys are taught to be outspoken and to think independently. These ideas about gender influence the courses and paths of education some students take.
Children do not identify themselves as a part of a specific race until they are informed that they are a part of one and thus different from other people. In school, children can identify that people are different shades but do not naturally identify as white or black. The absence of race classification in elementary school helps students to be unaffected by stereotypes and generalizations. Once race is introduced, students can begin to feel inferior or inferior, and these feelings affect the way they learn and how comfortable they are in the classroom.
Once a student is in high school, they are well aware of their race and the way society perceives them. They are also aware of generalizations and stereotypes attached to other races. Students might begin to separate themselves and seek out friends of their race, as well as join organizations such as the Japanese or African Student Union. Complexes of inferiority or superiority begin to surface and affect the way students chose their educational goals. An African-American student in a college class with a majority of white and Asian students might feel a greater need to prove himself and experience high levels of stress.
It is crucial for teachers and parents to avoid racial and gender generalizations or influencing societal norms when talking to their children and students. Teachers must attempt to teach lessons that highlight achievements of both men and women and people of all races. Any sexual harassment or situations of hate must be dealt with immediately and firmly - not only with punishment but with education as well. Providing a solid foundation about race and gender will help students avoid problems with these issues in the classroom and later in life.