\n<\/p>\n
My argument is it doesn\u2019t take much \u2013 just a quick scan once a year, not only to spot typos and formatting errors but to check for such stereotyping, and perhaps modernise some examples.<\/span><\/p>\n The school also has an entire posse of parents who would step up to help, some of whom work in the diversity, equity and inclusion space.<\/span><\/p>\n I eventually did mention it to my daughter\u2019s teacher at a parent-teacher meeting, asking for the school to re-assess the spelling lists and any worksheets across all levels. She reassured me that she would pass the message on but warned me that I might not see any revisions as the next year\u2019s booklets were already in print.<\/span><\/p>\n The Primary 2 word lists have similar messages. Mums make fried rice for dinner, little girls make rice dumplings with their grandmothers but a chef adds a pinch of salt to <\/span>his<\/span><\/em> soup.<\/span><\/p>\n I wait in hope for 2027, when the Primary 3 spelling list will reflect a more inclusive and updated picture of both women and men.<\/span><\/p>\n On my part, when it came to those weeks that contained “objectionable” sentences, I simply said to my then seven-year-old: \u201cWe\u2019re going to learn this sentence but don\u2019t you think grandfathers can bake too? And grandmothers also love telling stories?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n And, \u201cHave you seen any of our house lizards, lately? It\u2019s good that no one screams when we see them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n When her Daddy becomes a grandfather, while I may be the one taking out the butter to soften, it will be him who bakes sweet treats for his beloved grandchildren. I imagine I might still be working late, and my now grown-up kids and their children would have to wait for me to start dinner. And both my husband and I will be adding salt to the soup.<\/span><\/p>\n