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They/them pronouns in primary school workbooks

136 replies

KellyMaureen · 13/05/2024 13:25

I've been asked to review some resources for kids about autism. It takes the form of a workbook for primary school kids. There are two characters who are twins, one with a unisex name which is usually always spelled the same, and the other with a name that can be used for boys or girls but is spelled the usual way you would spell it for a boy. Both dressed exactly the same except for different coloured T-shirts.

Both these kids have they/them pronouns in this workbook. Is this now the norm? Will there come a time when there is no he/she? This is what this feels like. I wanted to ask that question in feedback, but I'm unsure how to give my feedback without sounding inappropriate. AIBU about this?

What are your thoughts please? This is a genuine question, and something I only feel comfortable asking anonymously so please don't accuse me of goading. I don't want to cause trouble. Thank you.

OP posts:
Devilsmommy · 13/05/2024 13:41

Womblingmerrily · 13/05/2024 13:29

I think if any group of children need clear unambiguous language, it's those with ASD.

This was my first thought too. There's way too much chance for confusion 😕

chitofftheshovel · 13/05/2024 13:38

Ah no, just read your examples. The twins are being referred to singularily therefore should be referred to as he.

5128gap · 13/05/2024 13:37

I think its potentially confusing as children will be unable to tell if references are to both twins or just one. I very much doubt that she and he are going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I've actually noticed a decline in the use of 'they' singular of late, after it enjoyed a bit of a surge in my progressive organisation for a while.

KellyMaureen · 13/05/2024 13:36

Watchwatchmymysteedsteedgogofarfar · 13/05/2024 13:28

Not sure the grammar could be correct using they them pronouns, which makes me think it's probably not appropriate unless the author specifies the children are non binary. Can you give an example of a sentence?

The cartoon kids are about 7, are they old enough to understand what being non-binary means? I grew up with brothers. I wanted to play with them and their friends, and I was a tomboy, but I knew that I was a girl and didn't want to be a boy. This would have confused me.

OP posts:
KellyMaureen · 13/05/2024 13:34

Yellowhammer09 · 13/05/2024 13:28

Can you give us an example of how it is being used in a sentence?

Stevie likes their favourite subject at school which is science. They're really good at it.

Stevie likes chatting to their friends at school about their weekend. They need to remember to ask their mates things as well.

Stevie does things that might confuse people. They need to explain it's how they express themself.

@Womblingmerrily No, see the example I've given here in reply to a PP.

OP posts:
chitofftheshovel · 13/05/2024 13:34

As one of a pair of twins we were always referred to as they/them and I do think it’s grammatically correct (even if it annoyed me).

Fluffytoebeanz · 13/05/2024 13:32

It would have totally confused my ND daughter in primary. And would infuriate her now

Womblingmerrily · 13/05/2024 13:30

My only other thought is are they referring to them as a duo (the twins), in which case the grammar would be correct or as individuals?

Womblingmerrily · 13/05/2024 13:29

I think if any group of children need clear unambiguous language, it's those with ASD.

Yellowhammer09 · 13/05/2024 13:28

Can you give us an example of how it is being used in a sentence?

Watchwatchmymysteedsteedgogofarfar · 13/05/2024 13:28

Not sure the grammar could be correct using they them pronouns, which makes me think it's probably not appropriate unless the author specifies the children are non binary. Can you give an example of a sentence?