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.