Knowledge is Power

One hope that I have working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is through my new knowledge I will  create a learning environment that demonstrates my abilities to implement an enriched anti-bias setting.  I will continue my studies as an anti-bias educator.   As Derman-Sparks and Edwards (2008) states:  Knowledge is power-or perhaps more accurately, knowledge gives you tools to act powerfully.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to stay current and keep building my understanding of issues regarding diversity and equity children, families, early childhood education, and the larger society – all of which inform anti-bias education work.  New information, ideas, political policies, and analysis of various aspects of diversity and “isms” appear frequently ( Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 157).

I would like to thank all of my colleagues   for sharing their knowledge, family cultures, beliefs, and aspirations for the anti-bias education program.   We all share a common goal and this is to be prepared to meet our students and family’s needs.

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010).  Anti-bias education for young children and

ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC).

Racialism Still Alive and Well

The following videos contain graphics and examples of what our society has helped create for past, present and future generations. John Lennon’s “Imagine” remade by A Perfect Circle. Imagine A Perfect Circle http://www.utube.com/watch?=dunKAwRN3p8 OMG! One of the most racist moments live on television. smh this is crazy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8RHxv0bxzo&feature=related Inside USA looks at a different kind of race war: America's Black-Brown divide. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbzck5NtWB8&feature=related Color Blind or Color Conscious? Diane Harriford, professor of sociology, argues that, as a nation, we should aim to become "color conscious" rather than "color blind." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBi3Hq6kQqs&feature=related Systemic Racism 101 Racism is a system that benefits white people Terms: Active racism Passive racism Anti-racism http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=RLhAOL8Cujw Read: Blacking Up explores tensions surrounding white participation in hip-hop. Popularly referred to by derogatory terms such as wannabe or wigger, the figure of the white person who identifies with hip-hop often invokes heated responses. For some, it is an example of cultural progress a movement toward a color-blind America. For others, it is just another case of cultural theft and mockery a repetition of a racist past. What do you think? http://newsreel.org/video/BLACKING-UP Racialism is alive and well! It just comes in different forms or against different races.

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

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. Stevie Wonder Children Notice Differences I teach pre-k special needs and I’m faced with curious little faces and questions every day. My child with cerebral-palsy is small, requires a walker, and we push him to lunch in a stroller. Jadan, another pre-k child in the other class ask me: “Why is Aidan a baby?” Derman-Sparks (2010), recommends paying attention to children’s interest in human differences and encouraging them to express their feelings and questions. I would answer Jadan trying to explain that Aidan wasn’t a baby his body had just not developed like his. Children learn from each other and I decided it would be best to introduce the boys. So, I did on the playground, and they became friends. Aidan has an amazing personality and Jadan learned that just because his friend had a disability he could still communicate, laugh, sit and roll the ball, and be a little boy. I could have chosen to ignore Jadan or silence his questions, but I did not. Our educational journey is unique and faced with different challenges daily. I do not know all the answers to tackling anti-bias task, but Derman-Sparks (2010) states: “Each person’s development as an anti-bias educator has its own pattern, pace, and timetable. The key is to keep going, keep moving, and keep committed. We must celebrate each victory-acknowledge and share the small daily successes and the larger ones. That is what gives us the strength (and joy) to stay the course. Reference Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Retrieved from: http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/MakingADiff1.htm