What I have Learned

The one hope I have for working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that their differences are embraced and are used as a learning tools in the classroom instead of conforming to the dominant culture.  I understand the difficult task of incorporating multiculturalism in the classroom, but losing one’s cultural identity is far more tragic.  Our job is to provide children with learning that is an extension of their home and I hope that every early childhood teacher remembers that critical key when using silence.

I believe the one goal I have for the field of early childhood is to mandate that culture and diversity be an annual training.  Since, I have started my masters I have seen many personal biases and silence prejudice in the classroom.  Often is not that the teacher does not know about cultural differences but that he or she does not know how to embrace their differences from the dominant culture.

In the end, I would like to say thank you to all who have continue to share this journey with me.  I am grateful for all the advice, feedback, and knowledge you have shared with me it has been inspiring and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and graduation!

Art in Culture And Diversity

We Are One

We are many who differ, yet still we are one
We are formed uniquely, living under one sun.
The colors of our skin may not all be the same
Our cultures they vary…we have different names.
We come some from far, and others from near

Yet we share our uniqueness with all who are here.
Some of us red, yellow, black and some are white
But we each shine as bright as the stars in the night.
Let’s now come together in celebration of each other
And honor our diverseness as sisters and as brothers.

We Don't Say Those Words!

I remember just last summer I had picked out one of those strapless summer maxi dresses for a family reunion fish fry and why we were there one of my nephews who was 6 at the time said “are you having a baby, cause it looks like it”. Embarrassed by his question I responded “sorry no baby in here” and walked off.  I think with me being very matter of fact with my nephew that he was okay with my response to his question/statement.  However, I do not believe he understood how embarrassed I was about his comment.  In the end, it was one of those moments that you wish never happened.  I never did wear that dress again…..

I believe an anti-bias teacher would respond with almost the matter of fact way, beginning with stating the child’s name and saying Doe that was a very curious question. I would then go into explaining how we are all different and unique and that sometimes the clothes we wear can make us appear to look unique or different or in this instance look like the person was having a baby.  In accordance to Han (2010,) teachers who work with young children can have a profound impact on children's social development.   As early childhood professionals it is imperative that we support young children by teaching them about different cultural perspective and acceptable behaviors, an impact that can contribute to the quality of children's lives throughout their life span.” 

Han, S. H. (2010). Sociocultural influence on children’s social competence: A close look at kindergarten teachers’ beliefs. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 24, 80–96.