It's elementary talking about gay issues in school

It's Elementary features elementary and middle schools where (mainly heterosexual) teachers are challenging the prevailing political climate and its attempt to censor any dialogue in schools about gay people. Rather than focusing on the debate between adults, though, the film takes the point of view of the school children, starting as young as first grade. The results are surprising and, as the LA Reader says, "funny, touching, and fascinating." Third graders' jaws drop when they find out some of their favorite celebrities are gay; second graders react to a book about a girl who gets teased because she has two moms; fourth graders say it makes them "feel weird in your stomach" when other kids yell "faggot" on the playground and teachers don't do anything about it; eighth graders fire a barrage of poignant questions to the gay guest speakers who visit their social studies class; third graders passionately debate the current events issue of the day: should gays be allowed to get married? It becomes quite clear that most children are affected by anti-gay prejudice in some way, and that they are very responsive to a curriculum that teaches respect for everyone, including lesbians and gay men. Former Assistant Secretary of Education, Kevin Jennings, says It's Elementary, with its refreshing child's eye-view of a topic that sends some adult racing to their school boards, "is the most important film dealing with LGBT issues and safe schools ever made."

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"Talking about gay issues in school"
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"It's Elementary features elementary and middle schools where (mainly heterosexual) teachers are challenging the prevailing political climate and its attempt to censor any dialogue in schools about gay people. Rather than focusing on the debate between adults, though, the film takes the point of view of the school children, starting as young as first grade. The results are surprising and, as the LA Reader says, "funny, touching, and fascinating." Third graders' jaws drop when they find out some of their favorite celebrities are gay; second graders react to a book about a girl who gets teased because she has two moms; fourth graders say it makes them "feel weird in your stomach" when other kids yell "faggot" on the playground and teachers don't do anything about it; eighth graders fire a barrage of poignant questions to the gay guest speakers who visit their social studies class; third graders passionately debate the current events issue of the day: should gays be allowed to get married? It becomes quite clear that most children are affected by anti-gay prejudice in some way, and that they are very responsive to a curriculum that teaches respect for everyone, including lesbians and gay men. Former Assistant Secretary of Education, Kevin Jennings, says It's Elementary, with its refreshing child's eye-view of a topic that sends some adult racing to their school boards, "is the most important film dealing with LGBT issues and safe schools ever made.""@en
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbians and gay men. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six U.S. elementary and middle schools. Footage of classroom activities and discussions are presented with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers who come into their classes. School-wide presentations, activity-days, and how these events affect faculty, parents and teachers are also discussed."
""It's Elementary takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial topics: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools. Rather than focusing on the political debate between adults, though, the film takes the point of view of the school children. At its heart are inspiring scenes in which elementary and middle school teachers find creative ways to confront anti-gay prejudice. Since it aired on more than 100 public television stations in 1999, It's Elementary has fueled a growing movement of educators and parents--gay and straight alike--who are committed to preventing pervasive homophobia and anti-gay violence. The film shows what happens when kids in kindergarten through eighth grade discuss lesbian- and gay-related topics in age-appropriate ways. Shot in six public and private schools, It's Elementary models excellent teaching about family diversity, name-calling, stereotypes, community building and more."--New Day Films website."@en
""Takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools ... Makes the case that all children are affected by anti-gay prejudice and that adults have a responsibility to address it. Showcasing teachers leading non-judgmental discussions with students about gay and lesbian people, the film demonstrates that students are eager to have honest conversations and learn about differences and respect"--Container."@en
""Takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools ... Makes the case that all children are affected by anti-gay prejudice and that adults have a responsibility to address it. Showcasing teachers leading non-judgmental discussions with students about gay and lesbian people, the film demonstrates that students are eager to have honest conversations and learn about differences and respect" -- Conteneur."
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbian and gay issues. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six elementary and middle schools. Presents footage of classroom activities and discussions with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers."
""Takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools ... Makes the case that all children are affected by anti-gay prejudice and that adults have a responsibility to address it. Showcasing teachers leading non-judgmental discussions with students about gay and lesbian people, the film demonstrates that students are eager to have honest conversations and learn about differences and respect" -- Container."@en
"Takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools. Makes the case that all children are affected by anti-gay prejudice and that adults have a responsibility to address it. Showcasing teachers leading non-judgmental discussions with students about gay and lesbian people, the film demonstrates that students are eager to have honest conversations and learn about differences and respect."
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbians and gay men. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six elementary and middle schools. Presents footage of classroom activities and discussions with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers who come into their classes. Discusses school-wide presentations, activity-days, and how these events affect faculty, parents and teachers."@en
"Takes cameras into classrooms across the U.S. to look at one of today's most controversial issues: whether and how gay issues should be discussed in schools. Makes the case that all children are affected by anti-gay prejudice and that adults have a responsibility to address it. Showcasing teachers leading non-judgmental discussions with students about gay and lesbian people, the film demonstrates that students are eager to have honest conversations and learn about differences and respect."@en
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbians and gay men. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six elementary and middle schools. Presents footage of classroom activities and discussions with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers who come into their classes. Discusses school-wide presentations, activity-days, and how these events affect faculty, parents and teachers."
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbians and gay men. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six elementary and middle schools. Footage of classroom activities and discussions are presented with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers who come into their classes. School-wide presentations, activity-days, and how these events affect faculty, parents and teachers are also discussed."
"An exploration of what happens when experienced teachers talk to their students about lesbians and gay men. Students are asked to consider issues related to homosexuality at six elementary and middle schools. Footage of classroom activities and discussions are presented with students exploring questions and issues presented to them by teachers and guest lecturers who come into their classes. School-wide presentations, activity-days, and how these events affect faculty, parents and teachers are also discussed."@en