I work in a center, that
that dominantly serves African American families. We are open to everyone, and
definitely do not discriminate, but just recently, we had a Caucasian girl
enter our Pre-K class. This has been an adjustment to the class, both teachers
and students alike. Only because it is one thing to discuss diversity and
inclusion when everyone in the class has so many similarities, but now that we
actually have someone of a different ethnicity, we will have to put all that we
are learning and have learned about diversity into action.
During the child’s first
week in the classroom, one of the boys at her lunch table said, “That’s a white
girl.” The teacher serving as a sub within our classroom, told the boy not to
say that and that he was being rude. The little boy grabbed his lips, shocked
that an adult had heard, and began to look down at the table. I can only
imagine that the boy felt embarrassed and in some ways confused. The little girl
was indeed “white” so what exactly had he said wrong, I’m sure he thought. He
was probably also embarrassed at the idea that he was reprimanded in front of
his friends as well.
An anti-biased educator
would have used the situation as a teaching moment about the ways in which we
are different, which is exactly what we did. And that it is okay to be
different from one another as long as we respect one another. It is important
not to shame children, but to take the time to correct them and teach them the
ways of the world. We have to understand that children have yet to develop the
ability to filter. With small children, what comes up, comes out. Instead of
acting so quickly to quiet a child though, we should use that time to help them
understand to reduce the likelihood of developing bias.
Altrenia--
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct about young children not having a filter. That is what is so wonderful and beautiful about children--they speak what is truth to them and their world. That is how they learn and that is also how they teach us as adults as well. And as early childhood educators, the children help us create meaningful lessons and teachable moments that can enhance their understanding of the world around them--teaching them how important everybody's differences are. Thank you for sharing.
Heidi Law
Hi Altrenia
ReplyDeleteAs adults and we hear a child say something about another person are first reaction is usually to tell them that was not a nice thing to say especially when they are pointing out something different about them. Yes, as you stated, that would have been a great teachable moment. When the little boy said that she was a "white girl" that would have been great to say yes and point out that everyone in the classroom is different in one way or another and alike in many ways too.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you were able to redirect this conversation with the substitute still in the room. Not to make substitute uncomfortable but to teach him/her at the same time you were teaching that child. This is a person who is likely to continue to work with children and there for influence children's thinking. What a wonderful opportunity to model anti-bias teaching. Through this simple act, you could have a profound affect on many other children this person comes in contact with. Teacher are very powerful!
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