What I Have Learned

I hope that when I work with diverse families I first and foremost remember that we are human.  I then want to educate myself (if needed) about the represented diversities (for instance, cultural or religious differences).  I want to embrace the differences and create a safe place where families and children feel welcomed and loved.  I want to have the children each feel a sense of respect from me and the other students. 

I feel that diversity training is important for everyone.  Families need it, as well as children.  I hope to advocate for this.  I know that I do not personally agree with every aspect of diverse life, but this is some children’s reality. It is not my job to accept or condemn.  My job is to make every child feel secure.  I feel that teachers need help in acknowledging and overcoming biases.  It would be incredible to see districts embrace diversity training.

This has been an incredible journey.  Each of you have aided my understanding and helped me grow.  I am thankful for this group of colleagues and I wish you the best!  Thanks Dr. Kien for your help and support as well.  I can’t believe we have almost achieved our goal!  

Start Seeing Diversity

          DIVERSITY

                                                                    dIfferert

                                                   Yet Very much the same

                              All part of the human racE.

                                Because of differences, Respected by some

                                                                      Shown bias by others.

                                                                      In search of understanding,

                                                                      Teaching others the value of

   individualitY

 

                        Begins with you and me.

In the above poem, I spelled the word diversity (the letters kind of mixed up on the spacing).  I have learned that educating others is critical in creating true anti-bias conditions.  In looking inside, I have gained an insight into my areas of growth that is needed, as well as the strength to conquer biases.  I also have been empowered to speak when I see bias occurring.  This class has been a treasure trunk in my journey!

                                                                      

                  

We Don't Say Those Words!

I have always been on the heavier side of the scale.  Kids have always been quick to notice that I seem to weigh more than their family members.  Several years ago I volunteered (and later worked) at a daycare and I had a little girl who was quick to point out that she noticed my overweight issue.  It was Halloween and I was dressed up as a person from the 1950's, complete with a poodle skirt and white tennis shoes to match.  She was looking at my shoes and said something to the effect that I had big feet.  I said yes, my feet are bigger than yours.  She went on to inquire, "Is that because you are so fat?"  Now, to this little girl, I probably did seem like a giant, as she was petite in her build (and was not allowed to have milk at school because her parents did not want her to have weight issues).  I kind of reacted with "Did I just hear you say that?"
I told the lead teacher what she said.  The lead teacher was embarrassed and apologized profusely.  I was embarrassed as well.  Rather than the little girl being told that we are all different and that there are nicer ways to express yourself, it was pretty much a hush hush situation.  I do not think her parents were told about the incident.  Even though the little girl was stating the obvious, and noticing differences, she was allowed to continue a pattern of bias because this was not confronted.  The little girl had not learned from this because I discovered that she continued making comments about people's weight.  Perhaps a conference with the parents should have been scheduled with "anecdotal data" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 35).  
A learning opportunity for this child was missed.  She could discussed with the teachers that people are different, and that is OK.  She could have been empowered by being given words to refer to people other than fat.  Also, this should not have been so hush-hush.  I could have talked more openly with her as well had I had more anti-bias training.  I would definitely handle this differently now.  

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.