I observed a child asking a parent why a woman was riding in a wheelchair in the grocery store. The woman was riding a hoover round and was uanble to walk. The parent simply told the child that the woman was old. The child then asked how come grandma walks; she is old? The parent then replied that some old people can walk and some cannot.
In the communication, I do not believe that the child was satisfied with the answer. The parent should have taken the time to explain that some people are disabled or they become weak as they get older. As a result, some older people have to ride hover rounds to help them get around. Parents and teachers should take the opportunity to teach children about diversity and ensure that the children learn how to identify and accept diversity in others.
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that families should take the time to help their child learn about diversity. That parent had a great opportunity to talk about how some people have to use a wheelchair because their legs would not hold them up or that they just do not work like their legs did.
Luci
Tammie
ReplyDeleteA child's first teaching should be at home. Parents should take more time to help their children learn about diversities. When children have experiences in school parents should talk with their children about their day and also give explanation as to why a person has to wear glass, use a wheelchair, have a speech impairment etc.
Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI agree, the mother should have noticed that this was a "teachable moment" and explained that some people are disabled. But I do not think the explanation should be limited to age. It is likely that her daughter will run into a younger person or even a child they same age as she that is in a wheelchair.
Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, parents should tell their children that there are people who have more than you and there are people who will have less than you, but regardless you should still treat them with respect and care, they have feelings just like you do.