Blog Post I
The insights that I gained in interviewing two teachers
about advocacy were that they both are in current positions on boards where
they are able to speak out on the needs of young children in their school
districts. One teacher is an advocate on the health and safety of young
children. The other teacher is an advocate on abuse of young children. I
informed them both that I am interested in and would like to become an advocate
against cultural biases and stereotyping in early childhood and they helped me
with the following topics and current issues.
Some of the related topics are:
· Biases
with teacher, children, and parent relationships
· Biases
and stereotyping in the classroom environment
· Biases
with lesson planning
Some of the current issues related to this topic are:
· How
parent’s own biases affect their children and how parent’s teach their children
about diversity.
· Ways
to avoid stereotyping in the classroom and how to maintain an Anti-bias and
diverse environment.
· Culture
in the classroom and how to implement an Anti-bias curriculum
The teachers influenced me to use this topic because
they were so interested in the topic as well. They gave many topics and current
issues that are going on in regards to what I want to advocate in. They also
suggested some ideas on how to assure that my classroom are free from biases
and stereotyping.
Questions:
· Have
you ever encountered cultural biases in your classroom setting? What did you do
about it?
· Have
you met any parents that may have a cultural bias that they share with their
own children? How did you handle it?
· What
would a culturally anti-bias classroom look like to you?
Hello Jonelle,
ReplyDeleteI think you have great topics. There is a lot of that going on I am sure, and it needs to be nipped in the bud!!!
@Patricia,
DeleteI agree stereotyping and biases of any kind should be nipped in the bud! No one deserves to be out-casted because of their cultural background or sex.
Jonelle,
ReplyDeleteWhat were some of the procedures used at the centers they worked regarding childhood obesity? Many places have programs intact where they meet with parents regarding proper diet, they actually weigh kids and provide only healthy snacks.
@Professor Wilcek in this particular center they serve nutritional foods and snacks because they are a part of the Adult/Child Food Program in which this program is working to help fight obesity. Also the children are involved in activities outdoors twice a day. The children are visited by two programs a dance program and also a gymnastic group. This center believes in children moving. This center doesn't discuss proper diets unless the parents under doctors permission have a specific diet for their children.Then the cook at the center caters to the needs of children who have diet needs prescribed by medical care. This center offers workshops on nutritional and healthy foods and snacks to serve at home and activities to do at home to keep the family active.
ReplyDeleteJonelle, in my classroom we try to put multicultural materials in each center of the room. These materials include books, puppets, and multicultural small people, family pictures on the wall. In the art center we have paint, paper, play dough that children can create them self. What kind of materials in your room that students can use that is not stereotyping.
ReplyDeleteWhat ways would you suggest parents teach their child about diversity? We have parent meeting once a month so that parents can talk to other teachers and parents about their concerns.
I like your video, Gail Owens
Hi Gail,
DeleteWhat you describe is what I am use to in a Early Childhood setting. Unfortunately all centers don't follow or understand how to make their environment anti-basis.
Ways that parents can teach diversity would be by reading books about culture subjects, introduce children to a variety of music and foods from different cultures. There are also videos in the library that parents can watch with their children about different cultures and places around the world.
Thanks...I'm glad you enjoyed my video. I had to do that for a communication class.