Observing Communication

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.

Creating Affirming Environments

I work in a Head Start environment.  The Head Start classroom would have sections and learning areas to promote learning activities for children.  The materials in the classroom would include photos and books that represent the diverse group of children in the class.

I would include:

1. Books that promote diversity
2. Images of people who represent the children in the class
3. Music
4. Toys and activities
5. Art

The classroom would have a active play area, a reading area, and a learning center.  The children would work in small groups at tables in the class.

What I Have Learned

What I Have Learned

One hope that I have for working with diverse children is that all families are included and have a fruitful learning experience.  My hope is to provide a quality education for all the children in the class and to establish effective relationships with the families.

My goal is to become an advocate for children to improve their experiences in early childhood education.  As advocates, early childhood educators can improve the quality of early childhood education for disadvantaged children.

I would like to thank everyone for contributing to my blog.  I wish all of you the best in your future goals as early childhood educators.

Creating Art

Diversity Poem.

Children are unique with different abilities and needs,
They learn and play as teachers plant seeds.
Chidlren from different cultures, backgrounds, and all walk of life,
Work hard to learn and overcome personal strife.
As an educator, I will do my best to teach acceptance in a class that is bias free,
So that every child can grow and develop and learn to see...
That diversity is beautiful.

This image illustrates diversity to me.

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: "We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

About one week ago, I was in Walmart and I saw a woman riding one of the carts.  When the woman passed a man and his son, the young boy said, "Daddy, that woman is too fat to walk."  The father appeared embarassed and told the son to stop saying that.  This was not the right way to handle this situation.

In early childhood education, children are very open and honest about their comments and views of the world.  The woman was obese and could not walk around the store.  However, the child did not understand that the woman was disabled.  In teh early childhood classroom, I would inform the child and other children that it is not nice to tease or meddle people who are different.  I would further explain that some people are disabled and that when they see a person who disabled, they should not point out the difference.  The child in the store did not realize that his comment hurt the woman's feelings.  Therefore, parents and educators have to work together to teach children the proper way to address people in public.  Children need to understand and accept diversity, and they must be taught to respect others.

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child

I would explain to the parents that a teacher's sexual orientation has no bearing on the teacher's ability to teach.  Teachers are diverse and complex as other members of society.  As a result, sexual orientation does not impact the quality of care.  Furthermore, I would explain that children need to be exposed to diversity because the world is diverse. 

If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children?

I have heard children use the term "that's so gay".  It is an expression that refers to something that is stupid or ignorant behavior.  Children also use this to describe acts or behavior that is considered homosexual.  This is very offensive to children and it makes them feel ashamed or embarrased.  As a result, it is important for educators to explain to children that it is wrong to use these terms.  Children need to understand that it is stereotyping and it presents gay as a bad term.  Therefore, I would teach children not to bully or tease, and not to be biased.

Note of Thanks

I would like to send a personal thanks to all of my fellow scholars who have contributed to my blog.  I have enjoyed working with you and sharing information.  Please feel free to continue to follow and post to my blog.

Tammie Bolden