Diverse families have different needs and various consequences due to the isms that exist. For example, LGBTism is based on the discrimination against LGBT parents. I have admitted that I was not very comfortable working with homosexual parents. I do not discriminate against parents. However, my personal biases can impact my ability to work with these families. As a result, I have to overcome my own biases to protect the children of these families. Children from LGBT parents can experience teasing because of the family structure. Therefore, it is important to address issues with the children and to ensure that children understand that families are diverse. I would explain to children that some families have to mothers or two fathers. As a result, it is not nice to tease children from diverse families. This is a key element of anti-bias education.
Hi Tammy,
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that we teach children to respect diversity in every aspect. children only know what they see and hear. They need to understand that families are made up in a variety of ways. Such that a child might have two moms or two dads that live in the same house or two seperate houses. This can be confusing for children. At the beginning of the school year I send construction paper home so that families can make a family photo pages for their families. After the children share their pictures I make a classroom family photobook.
Luci
Hello Tammy,
ReplyDeleteI too, think it is important for students to learn about diversity, but what about the students who have parents that prejudice again certain groups. Thats sending mixed messages to the children and it is so upsetting as an educator to tell your student to be open minded and everyone has diversity in their family and we should all love and respect each other and then have the student go home to a family who goes back and completely undo everything have just taught the student. Thanks for sharing your story and hopefully we as educators will be able to talk about more diversity without any kinda of backlash from the parents.