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.

Observing communication

I observed a mom interacting with a child on a cartoon. The cartoon was Doc McStuffins. During the cartoon I feel the mom interacted with the child in a positive way. She was listening to the child after they finished visiting an exhibit. Feedback from mom was positive and showed Doc Mc Stuffins that are thoughts was important to the family.

I learned from this week’s resources and videos how effective communication should be. Reading this week’s resources and listening to the media segment reassures me that what I have been doing in my classroom is shaping a positive environment to communicate and develop language skills. I will continue to utilize the guiding principles of having ‘teacher talk,’ expanding critical thinking and cognitive skills with ‘challenging talk’, and creating moments to ‘step back’ will be a way I continue to communicate effectively with children.

Creating Affirming Environments-My own family child care home

“Relationships and interactions with children and families, the visual and material environment, and the daily curriculum all come together to create the anti-bias learning community” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.51). Reflecting on this statement from our text helped me see what pieces are essential in the development of an early childhood setting that makes every child and family feel respected and welcome.

My Family Child Care Home will include the following, but is not limited to:

1.       Photographs, books, posters, dolls, puzzles, puppets, dramatic play clothing, and other supplemental materials that are reflective of children and staff represented in my classroom. Also other less dominant cultures so that children will become familiar with others that are different from their own culture, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, family structure, abilities, etc.

2.       Occasional snacks, meals, and music that reflect various cultures. This will allow children and families to share their culture, connect with others, and also form a way for children to notice and start respecting differences amongst people.

3.       A family bulletin board that will reflect all children and staff in our community. The family bulletin board is a way to share our personal family experiences amongst children, family, and staff to create diversity in the child care home.

4.       Notes, progress reports, handouts, etc. in child’s home language. I will respect the child and families home language and find ways to accommodate them appropriately as they transition into an English speaking child care home.

5.       Incorporate the child and families traditions and honor holidays/traditions reflected in the facility. Acknowledging and showing interest to learn something new about others shows respect and makes families feel like they belong in our school family.

6.       Incorporate a curriculum that teaches children about respecting others, acknowledging fairness vs non fairness, diversity, and ways to connect with others. A curriculum that teaches respect of oneself and others will help start the connection of creating an anti-bias education.

7.       Respecting children’s feelings and offering them a place to express them appropriately. Incorporating a safe place to feel comforted at any time of the day (drop offs, tantrums, etc.) helps teach children how to resolve conflicts and work with others in appropriate ways.

8.       “Teaching to strength” will be a principle incorporated for teacher’s to use inside the classrooms. “And if we spend as much time thinking about what kind of a learner is this child, where are their strengths, where are their interests, where are their natural motivations, as we spend thinking about where could they go next” (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).  When we scaffold for our children we start at where the child is but offer temporary support that will help build that child’s educational or social need to their particular greatest potential (zone of proximal development).

References:

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).

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children. Baltimore, MD: Author

What I have learned

My hope is that I continue to strengthen myself to be an anti-biased educator to help support all learners of any background. I will continue to support diverse children and their families to form a partnership to help their child reach their fullest potential in my classroom.

A goal I set for myself is to continue learning ways and insight about issues related to diversity, equity, and social justice. My goal is to engage in professional development, trainings, or webinars that will give me knowledge so that I can strengthen myself as a well-rounded Early Childhood professional.

Thanks to all my colleagues for your support during this journey. It has been a great experience to link up and share ideas, comments, and new knowledge as it relates to the early childhood field. I wish you all continued success and happy holidays.

Warmest Regards,

Tierra Jackson