More young people—one in six—are identifying as LGBTQ (Washington Post). Educators have always played a role in supporting their students’ well-being, and as students claim their LGBTQ identities as early as elementary school, it’s vital to make our schools welcoming and inclusive. For our Pride Month issue of Upbeat News, we’re featuring resources to create safe spaces for LGBTQ students. We’re also spotlighting our picture book Jamie and Bubbie: A Book About People’s Pronouns with an excerpt on how to talk with children about personal pronouns. Read the excerpt.
 
For additional resources on fostering safe spaces for students, read on. Also check out our free download of the month, the Jamie Is Jamie poster. This colorful and fun poster reminds children all the ways they can play their way.
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Book Spotlight

Jamie is excited to spend the day walking around the neighborhood with great-grandma Bubbie. They meet so many friends and neighbors along the way . . . but Jamie has to correct Bubbie when she assumes Ms. Wallace is a he and their server is a she. Jamie helps Bubbie understand that it’s important not to assume a person’s pronouns based on appearance, and to always use the name and pronouns they go by: he, she, they, or something else.

The story stays lighthearted and sweet, while diving into an often misunderstood, evolving topic, so children can build empathy and begin to explore their own feelings about gender identity. A section at the back of the book includes tips for teachers, parents, and caregivers for expanding on the concepts in the book and for talking with children about gender. Learn more.
Related Resources
When Jamie arrives at a new preschool, all the children learn that gender expression doesn’t determine which toys to play with.

Ages 4–8 | $12.99
Fully revised and updated guide with frank, sensitive information for LGBTQ teens, their families, and their allies.

Ages 13 & up | $16.99
Check out more related resources for kids and educators here.
Tips & Tools from the Free Spirit Blog
Asking about pronouns can help everyone feel respected and gives adults and children a sense of belonging, says author Afsaneh Moradian. Read now.
LGBTQ author Kelly Huegel Madrone shares ways to make your classroom a safe place for LGBTQ students—and enhance learning experiences for everyone. Read now.
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Download of the Month

This month’s free download is an 8.5ʺ x 11ʺ poster of Jamie from Jamie Is Jamie, reminding children all the ways they can play their own way: drive cars, practice ballet, play with action figures, care for baby dolls.

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