It is clear to see in Elementary Schools across the country that programs children see through the media affect the style of product that students choose to bring to school. However, this style of product varies across grade levels.  For instance, first graders are seen bringing products that reflect their favorite cartoon characters, and students in fifth grade are more prone to bring products that are advertised to be cool in society.  For example, at Mabel Elementary School first graders come to class each day with possessions such as a Scooby Doo bookbag, Tweetie bird bookbag, Warner Brothers key chains, and dressed in an attire that reflects current popular animated characters.
    Students in first grade have also come dressed in attire that reflects Nike, Adidas, and Duck Head Unlimited name brands.  However, it can be assumed that these products actually have no meaning to students at this early age.  When students were asked why they were wearing a particular shirt they made statements such as "it is because my grandma bought it for me."  This reflected that they had no understanding that they were even wearing name brand clothing of any kind.  When playing on the playground one day, a little boy came up to have his shoe tied.  He was wearing Adidas tennis shoes, but insisted on telling me that he was wearing Nike shoes.  He said that everyone in his family wore nothing but Nike and that all of his family members wore Nike clothing.  The fact that he did not even recognize that he was wearing a Adidas, but assume he was wearing Nike, proves that first graders have no concept of name brand and what symbols reflect certain types of clothing.
    Another popular dress attire for younger elementary students, especially those of kindergarten through second grade, is that which reflects the all time favorite Disney characters.  The image of Disney wear can be seen on clothing, such as jackets, or school and jewelry accessories.  When asked, students can clearly give detailed descriptions of each character and tell which is their favorite.  This shows that students have a clear understanding of dress attire that reflects cartoon characters, and how their peers view these characters as well.

    However, students in fifth grade are more aware of how name brands affect the way others view their clothing.  It was not uncommon to see a fifth grade girl come into the classroom one day wearing Tommy Hilfiger everything.  She had all the Hilfiger accessories such as the shirt, watch, shoes, etc.  This was more of a statement of clothing taste to her than something that her grandma gave her.  Likewise, it is not uncommon to walk into a fifth grade class and see the appearance of Britney Spears on belongings.  When walking in the fifth grade class at Mabel Elementary School, one thing that you might see is the appearance of a Britney Spears bookbag.  Clothes that portray Britney Spears in a variety of lights can also be seen in the halls of Mabel.  If a shirt seen like the one below is worn in the halls of our schools, should we not question the image that Britney is sending to our students?
 
 
 
 
 

    Bookbag key chains and cartoon character bookbags are used to reflect how the media affects the younger elementary school children.  Most key chains found in younger grades are of cartoon characters and reflects the shows that students often watch at home or daycare.  When asked about these key chains or book bags students can clearly tell you the plot and idea behind the entire series of shows.  This reflects the importance of media on their lives.

    The affects of media and gender stereotyping can also be seen through the rewards that students receive on a daily basis.  Girls are expected to like Barbies and cute animals images, while boys are expected to like cars and sports.  Therefore, when buying stickers to give to students, teachers often find themselves buying cute stickers for girls and masculine stickers for boys.  This may not be purposely done, but it often portrays the way that teachers, like students, are affected by media's view of gender.  However, times are changing with this view of gender in the media.  Upon giving out stickers like those seen below, girls were just as eager to have the Hot Wheels stickers as the boys were.  As media constantly changes we will see the gender views on our students change as well.