What I Have Learned

I have learned that each child and family deserves the same opportunity at a quality education regardless of their economic status, age, culture, language, worldview, gender, or family structure. I have learned that each child is unique and each child has their own way of learning and adapting to certain situations or events. I learned that the first thing that as an educator, I must be self-aware, compassionate, understanding, supportive, anti-bias, fair, equal and respectful to every child and family (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). .

The one hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to be able to communicate effectively, be able to help assist in adapting to a new environment and being able to meet all of the needs of each child and family.

The one goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is to encourage and demonstrate fairness, equality and make sure that every child and family has the same opportunity at a quality education.

I would like to thank all of you for your responses, interactions and feedback during the course. I hope that we all be able to accomplish our goals and mission to ensure that every child and family receives a fair, equal and quality education.

 

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

My definition of art is a picture that has meaning and tells a story. Art is something beautiful that is seen beyond the graphics. Art can send a message that is so powerful that it connects with all groups of people. Art is a demonstration of life and everything that surrounds it. Art is about respect, awareness, collaboration, diversity and people of all ages, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, language and cultural backgrounds. Art is a expression of your inner feelings, views, insights and opinions.

Creation of art that includes diversity and equality should be a expression of understanding, compassion and respect no matter what profession or our identity.

Creation of art with non traditional families

Creation of art with children from different backgrounds

Creation of art with adults in the workplace.

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

There was a time when my son and I were out at the mall and there were elderly people out walking. My son pointed, laughed and said “mom why is that man walking like that.” I stated to my son “that it is not nice to point and laugh at other people.” My son said “why.” I stated to my son that “you would not want someone to do that to you and that it hurts a person’s feelings when you do that.” I also told my son that he can and might walk the same way when he gets older but it does not make him any different than someone who is younger and walking tall. An example of an anti-bias educator communication towards the child and the classroom is to send a message to let the children know that we are all different but we should not be mocked, made fun of, judged, stereotyped or discriminated against just because we are different in so many ways (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). 

Reference

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