In this article, the author explores gender issues which arose out of a literacy discussion with children in a reception class in a primary school. First an account is given of the discussion. This is followed by an examination of gender-related issues amongst fellow practitioners and parents. Here, the author intends to show the importance of raising gender issues even with children as young as four or five. Throughout the article, the author links personal experiences and observations to the theories and research of various educationalists. (Contains 1 endnote.)