One hope I have when working with diverse children in their families, is to be able to provide and environment that makes all children and their families feel welcome, safe, and represented. I want families to feel comfortable with me, regardless of race, religion, etc. I hope that my classroom is a place that all children will remember in a positive light and want to return to.
Over the course of the next few years, I would love to see some changes in the early childhood field in regard to the issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. I believe that anti-bias instruction should be provided to all early childhood educators. I think it's important for all teachers to become aware that this is and issue and that young children are in need of guidance and classrooms which provide them with a safe space to ask questions and learn about themselves and others. It is important that early childhood educators are provided with the proper training so that we, as a whole, can make a giant step toward creating anti-bias communities in our classrooms and communities.
As this course comes to a close, I want to thank all of those who have participated in discussions and blogging. These are essential to the development of anti-bias education and it has been wonderful to develop a community where we all feel comfortable enough to lay down our biases and discuss things that may be hurtful or "touchy." I am looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you, and could not ask for a more fantastic group of diverse individuals to work alongside. Thank you all.
"Anti-bias education work is a journey with many paths and rhythms; each person chooses her or his own. Some teachers focus on their own growth and the changes they make in their own work. Others move on to conversations with other adults--colleagues, families, friends. Many anti-bias educators also decide to engage in change work beyond their classroom" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 8). May we all find our way in whichever path we choose to take.
Raina
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias
Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington D.C. : NAEYC Books.
Raina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insightful and interesting blog. It was quite interesting sharing and blogging with you.
I wish all the very best as you continue on this journey.
Raina,
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for the encouraging comment you left. I think if more educators were aware of their own biases they would be able to be an advocate to help stop prejudice thoughts.
Good-luck!
Tracey
Thank you, Raina. I agree that anti-bias education needs to be part of every educator's study. Like us, most probably feel they are not biased and do not influence their classroom to be. So much is lost if our consciousness is not raised. I think it is important to keep informed about different strains of education. I do think we start life with the right ideas about partnering and empathy but somewhere and somehow it becomes about competition and exploits. I guess it is our job to hold on to the truth and challenge all that would look to destroy it. Thanks for this blog and the many ways you have stretched my thinking throughout this course. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRaina,
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring blog. I too have learned alot about myself and want to continue to grow within this journey. I agree there is a need for anti-bias instruction for educators. I found from experience many teachers had not heard of this class before. Good luck with your future classes and your future endeavers.