Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

In the courses I have learned about diversity and isms.  I have also learned that families are unique and diverse, and these families are affected differently by isms.  I have learned that LGBT families are affected by LGBTism and misconceptions about same sex parents.  I have learned to work with a variety of families and to respect parents as individuals, not based on their sexual preference.  I also learned that personal biases can impact how I interact with parents. 

Overall, I have learned to research families and children to provide an inclusive classroom.  My goal is to teach children about isms and to help them to avoid isms.  I have further learned to overcome my own biases to work more effectively with parents.  Therefore, I will continue to use anti-bias education to help children learn and grow in the class environment.

Creating Affirming Environments

I would create a Head Start classroom that is inclusive and represents all children.  The Head Start environment would have learning centers to help students with activities.  I would also include the following in the class.

I would have:
1. Books
2. Learning materials
3. Posters of diverse cultures
4. Appropriate toys

I would also have reading time and read a variety of books about diversity and different cultures.  I would expose children to different cultures using themes in the classroom.  My goal is to make the learning environment diverse and representative of the children and their families.

What I Have Learned

My primary hope for diverse families is that programs are created to address the growing diversity and reduces biases and stereotypes in education and society.

My goal as an educator is to become an effective anti-bias educator so that I can help to teach children to accept and embrace diversity.  My goal is to ensure fairness in education and to make the classroom more inclusive.

I would like to personally thank my fellow scholars for working with me and my blog during this course.  Good luck to everyone.

Creating Art

The following poem is about diversity.

Diversity is everywhere and in the people I see. 
I have learned to accept others even those that don't look like me.
People are unique in various ways with different needs and likes.
Every child has the potential to reach their greatest heights.
As a teacher, I will support diversity and teach children to accept all.
Life is a diverse place, where every child should stand tall.
Diversity is part of life and everyone deserves to be respected.
Therefore, anti-bias education should never be neglected.

We Don't Say Those Words in Class

Teachers and parents must teach children about diversity, stereotypes, and bias.  Children will often repeat what they hear at home or in their environment.  As a result, it is important to immediately correct children when they use bad language.  I saw a child call a woman fat in a store.  When I looked at the father, he started laughing.  This nonverbal cue communicated to the child that it was okay to use this type of language.  The child also started laughing; however, the woman was clearly offended.  I did not say anything to the father because I did not know him.  However, I wanted to tell him that he should correct the child and inform him that it is not okay to call people names.  Children need guidance and direction.  As a result, parents and teachers must teach them what is and is not appropriate language.

In the classroom, I would immediately inform children of the correct way to speak and how to treat others.  If a child called another child a name, I would ask them how they would feel if people called them names.  At the same time, I would instruct the child to avoid using stereotypes and degrading words.

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 family or parent that caregivers should be judged on their quality, not their sexual orientation.  I would explain that people are hired for their experience and ability to provide quality child care services.  As a result, I would encourage them to get to know the child care provider and observer the person’s behavior around their child.  People are often worried about things or people they do not understand.  Therefore, interacting with the childcare provider can help them to overcome their bias.

 

•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? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)

Children are affected by their environment and the language they are exposed to.  Racism and sexism are promoted through social values and social interactions.  As a result, I would stop a person using homophobic terms and explain that it is not polite.  I would further inform them that we are all different and no one wants to be called derogatory names.  I would also teach children to respect diversity and not judge people based on their social identities.