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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 26, 2012 · 20 Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar The Best s Come From Understanding Approach the process of learning properly and you wind up creating more than hard-working students with good marks. You build motivated, self-assured, independent thinkers who really understand what they learn. That means better grades...on every test, in every subject, and on every report card. A' Reading Study Skills Writing Homework Math French Changing expectations on Halloween By Shailee Koranne Grade 11, White Oaks S.S. alloween is the favourite day of so many children. Colourful costumes, pumpkin carving, and dumping a pillowcase of treats onto the floor to sort them all, are fond memories associated with Oct. 31. So... what happens when you grow up? Most kids stop trick-or-treating around the age of 13. The years after that, they may stay home to pass out candy to other kids. In later years, they might go to school dances or their friends' parties. All still fun, but something changes drastically. The next time you're at a store that sells Halloween costumes, look at the men's costumes. Then, take a look at the costumes for women. Notice a difference? Halloween costumes for women have become so sexualized that it's embarrassing. Little Bo Peep costume? Little too much "peep," not enough "bo." Little Red Riding Hood costume? I'm fairly sure that she didn't wear fishnet stockings or a corset. In fact, at this point, a lingerie catalogue and the women's Halloween costume section have an alarming amount of things in common. Costumes intended for males are generally more in the Halloween spirit, and also more comfortable. H Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Oakville South 905.849.4027 oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North East 905.257.1207 oakvillene@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North 905.469.1929 oakville@oxfordlearning.com The gender expectations and sexualization on Halloween actually begin early. Compare a young boy's costume to a girl's for a certain television character. For the boys, there may be a full-body costume with a hood while the girl's version is a short dress and hat. It's appalling to grow up and see the stereotypes. Right from the beginning, girls are encouraged to be fairies or princesses, dressed in gowns with wands and tiaras. Boys, too, are encouraged to don stereotypical costumes. This is how gender expectations form. Stores should abolish the "girls/women," "boys/men" labels and just have one big store of costumes. Don't be afraid to dress how you want on Halloween. And, don't be afraid if you're "too old" for Halloween. Heck, I was 15 years old last year and went in a full clown costume. I even trick-ortreated. Halloween is not conforming to expectations. Stay in the spirit, and most importantly, have fun. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at ellergreen58@gmail. com. Greenlife Residential Hybrid Condominiums featuring the Lowest Condo Fees in Canada! · A fantastic real estate opportunity · Nestled among orchards, walking trails and quaint downtown Milton · Lowest condos fees in Canada LAST CHANCE FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICES! 75% SOLD! Take advantage of Pre-construction prices! HOT TUB CLEARANCE SALE th p * wiit b* ub w tu tt ot ho eh le b i l g b i i l g e eli ade ooff ee icP Fr se as h rcha ur h pu 1087sq. ft. - 1470 sq. ft. FROM WITH CLEAR RAY CLEANING SYSTEM NO SALT OR BROMINE NEEDED WAT E R P U R I F I C AT I O N S Y S T E M HoU GE DIS C n F lo M OU NT S r od el Wa reh oo s an u an d ouse I n ven tor y* $ 310,900 HWY 25 HWY 401 STEELES AVE Presentation Centre: 6810 Main St. West, Milton, ON. JAMES SNOW PKWY MAIN ST TREMAINE RD WHITMER ST DERRY RD Hours: Mon - Thurs: 12pm To 5pm Sat & Sun: 11am To 4pm Friday: Closed THOMPSON RD BRONTE ST ONTARIO ST delridgehomes.com | 1.877.479.5448 Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. N AN INSPIRED CONDOMINIUM A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING *On Select Models. See Store For Details (Millcroft Shopping Centre) Burlington 2000 Appleby Line www.thesundancespastore.com 905-315-7800 (Winners Plaza) Trafalgar Ridge Plaza, Oakville 2379 Trafalgar Road 905-257-5006 (Heartland, Near Loblaws) Mississauga 5985 Rodeo Drive 905-890-6200