psa

If you are, hypothetically, a parent of a third grade girl who is invited to join Ladies Club (aka, feminism class) an email like this would absolutely make you a helicopter parent:

Has there been an outline prepared and what source documents are you using for the curriculum? Will it be information from the internet or just your own personal life experiences shared.
 
For example:
March 14th / Week #1 - "What is this group about?" explaining to the girls what is the purpose of the group (rules & guidelines) and why its important. And maybe play an ice breaker game like Tell me 3 things about you.  Ask the girls why did they sign up and what are their expectations. Are they expecting to make new friends, learn arts & crafts, to learn secrets about the other girls and tease them???? Those few items could take an hour and then it sets the tone for the following weeks.
 
March 21st / Week #2 - Topic "I am a Lady" explaining that a young lady carries herself with poise and respect. Does not have to be flamboyant and loud, deserves respect and courtesy from others.  Ask the kids to name who are some popular ladies and why are they popular. That will open a discussion on everyone from Nikki Monage to Michelle Obama.  Compare and contrast the ladies and highlight they are both successful, but how they achieved the success (entertainer vs. education (law school, 1st lady, Univ. of Chicago). Ask them to describe a lady in their own family. They might tell about an favorite Aunt or older cousin, or even their own Mom.
 
March 28th / Week #3 - Topic "Proper Etiquette" could review proper eating and public behavior. Use paper placemats to simulate how and when to use which fork/spoon.  Do a full place setting with the salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, tea spoon at the top of the plate. They may not encounter situations often where these skills are used, but when they do; its important to know to place your napkin on your lap and not tuck it under their chin. The water glass to the right is their beverage and to start with silverware from the outside and work you way in. If they learn that, they can go to any scholarship luncheon and represent themselves well.
 
Week #4 - Topic "Proper Hygiene" this will allow a few weeks into the Club for the girls to develop trust and be more apt to share with the group. Instill the importance of daily showering or bathing, the need to take a personal interest in the neatness of their appearance. Neatness, as in washed and ironed clothes, not just pricey name brands. Name brands don't matter if you're wrinkled and sloppy. Then perhaps brooch the subject of menstrual cycles and let them know to talk with Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, or even you if it happens at school. Some students may have already started, others will be within a few years. Emphasize that its a private matter and a lady will not make fun of another girl or tell everyone on the playground that "Molly, got her period today."
 
Week #5 - Topic "Proper Nutrition & Exercise" to promote healthy eating and regular exercises. Focus on using the word nutrition, healthy choices, rather than saying diet. That could plant seeds for eating disorders and other body image issues. An activity could be to ask the girls to bring in different magazines and cut out pictures to make a collage of different women. Showing that beautiful women come in all shapes, sizes and skin tones/colors.