Reflecting on Learning and a Note of Thanks

“Anti-bias work provides teachers a way to examine and transform their understanding of children’s lives and also do self-reflective work to more deeply understand their own lives” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.2 ). 

My hope for the future is to continue to provide support and respect to all children and their families that I work with in my classroom. I hope to continue to gain knowledge to be able to become a resource for the community to help share anti-bias work I feel will be valuable for any early childhood classroom or professional.

This class has been very instrumental in helping me inspire to reach and connect with a diverse group of people. It has also helped me form my own positive thoughts about how to build partnerships with families in my years as an Early Childhood professional. It is with great thanks I have to say to my colleagues as we also work in partnership to brighten the lives of any diverse child and/or family we encounter. Thanks for your support, comments, discussions, feedback in this course. I wish you continued success on the journey to our Master’s.

Reference

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

Ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC).

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The area of the world I chose was West and Central Africa. I chose this area of the world because I was curious to learn more about people of African descent. I also wanted to know what is happening with young children in this area of the world. Some challenges of the world children in this region face is malnutrition, AIDS/HIV, risk of early death due to preventable cause, poor health and hygiene (poor water resources), low food supplies, female genital mutilation (with babies as young as 3 months), wars within the country.

With such devastating challenges, it can have detrimental effects on children’s wellbeing and development. Children likely will be malnutrition or sickly due to poor nutrition, water supplies, and no help with stopping preventable diseases. Also they may be subject to emotional instability. What I have learned personally and professionally is that children all around the world are dealing with circumstances that can leave a scar on their development and emotional well-being. This assignment was a great eye opener to what is taking place around the world.

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

I believe that sexualization is on a high in today’s society. With the vast promotion of social media and technology, children of all ages are introduced to the overly sexualizing that we see happening in the world around us. It’s sad that children are introduced to such provocative and inappropriate messages that make them think that boys/girls should look a certain way to be happy and appreciated by others.

Three examples I can share to illustrate the exposure of young children in a highly sexualized environment would be the following:

1.       Girls in pretend and play center wanting the long, blonde hair because they think it makes them look prettier.

2.       Toys that are sold to boys/ girls send messages about what shows femininity or masculinity. Barbie dolls and Bratz dolls with makeup and provocative clothing on.  Wresting figurines that show guys ripped with muscles.

3.       Little girls wanting to walk in mommies’ heels, put on make-up, and a wig to look prettier. I have seen this on the show “Toddlers and Tiara’s.” Were toddler girls are put in pageants and are covered in makeup, heels, short dresses, and wearing tons of hair pieces.

With young children being exposed to things such as these examples provided, they are subject to learn messages of what defines ‘femininity’ or ‘masculinity’ in our society. They are also taught that these types of images are what portrays what it means to be “pretty,” beautiful,” “tough”, or “a ladies man.” Being aware of these issues as a professional means that I need to provide opportunities for children to become happy with whom they are. Find ways through curriculum, songs, books, etc. to teach children that it’s okay to be you and its okay to be me. Learning how to appreciate differences amongst people, as well as, using teaching methods of persona dolls, songs, books, etc can help with concept of positive self-images.

Impact of "isms"

An "ism" I have experienced is that of race. I can remember being called the n word when I was younger and even being singled out because of my race. I hope as an educator to allow children to understand that we all come in different colors and shades, but that does not mean you are less or more than because of that. I want them to understand we all are humans that bleed the same color blood.

Another "ism" I have experienced would be with ageism. Starting out young in the profession, I was often looked down on as inadequate or inexperienced. I want to ensure students in my class realize that have a voice and they can speak up for themselves. It does not matter how young or old a person is they all can share something special that someone else may not have known or experienced.

Serving as an anti-bias educator I will continue to work to foster positive relationships with the diverse children and families I have the privilege of educating and caring for.