What Have I Learned

One hope that I have when working with children and families is that as an educator and member of society I will be sensitive towards their needs and be willing to go the extra step to help them. I will put aside any biases that I may have and be ready to do my job which is to serve children and their families to give them an opportunity for successful outcome.

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is that every child and their families receive the same fair and equal treatment at all times regardless of the race, religion, gender and or sexual orientation.Many children are unfortunate and do not have access to the “basic human rights” due them (Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I want to make sure that every child has access to the services and resources that they are due.

I would like to thank Dr. Klein and my colleagues for the feedback they have provided me with during the Diversity, Development Learning course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a colleague is to fulfill your desires in life on your professional journey.

Reference

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

 

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

Why Different and Not The Same?

Created in His image accepted for who we are

As individuals we are diverse

We are unique in our own way

Why different and not the same?

So we can teach and learn along the way

With our own taste, style and sense of self

           
                       

Characteristics that set us aside from anyone else.

 

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

My son is six years old at age four he began to show a fear towards individuals with physical disabilities.  My oldest child would often tease him by pointing out these individuals. He would react by becoming very scared and hiding behind me while screaming and hollering. On day I remember us eating at a local eatery and my daughter spotted a man in a wheelchair. She tells my son to” look that man he’s looking at you. He’s fixing to come and get you.” I explained to her she should not make fun of others because everyone is unique in their own way. We should not judge or look down on others because they are different from you. I asked her if she had a disability would she want people to react to her that way.  Her answer was no, I didn’t think about it like that.

 

The message received by my daughter is that it is not nice to talk or make fun of others. It does not matter what’s going on with them their size, sexual orientation, gender or abilities. Everyone has feelings and we should be sensitive to others.

 

An anti- bias educator might respond by saying we should encourage children to create a positive change, become sensitive to the feelings of others. We should teach children to respect and an appreciation for differences by providing opportunities for interaction with people of diverse groups, make sure your children understand that prejudice and discrimination are unfair. Also we should help children recognize instances of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination (ADL, 2001)

 

References

Anti-Defamation League. (2001). What to tell your child about prejudice and discrimination.

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC