Option 1: Childrens Cartoons

Watch at least one episode of a contemporary (currently airing) childrens cartoon (I suggest recording it so that you can watch it more than once).  Write a reflection on the messages the cartoon conveys to children.  Explain what you observed (what happened on the episode) and what you think the show communicates to children.  In other words, explain not just what messages the show conveys, but how it conveys those messages. 

Option 2: Childrens Toys

Visit a toy store and write a reflection on the messages the toys (and the store itself) convey to children.  In particular, you should focus on the differences between boys toys and girls toys, and the messages these toys convey about gender differences in our society.