If I were to open my own family home care center, I would
want to first and foremost make sure that I had pictures up on the walls that
were inclusive and representative of the students, families, and staff that
were in my class. As Derman-Sparks and
Edwards (2010) note, “Anyone who enters your classroom can tell immediately who
is in your program at that time” (p. 43).
I loved Adrianna’s idea of using pictures of the children that were in the
class (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). It
would be important for each child to see each other as well. By having every child pictured, it sends the
message that they are important.
I would also partner with families to make sure they feel
welcomed. I loved the idea that Adrianna
presented about the families sometimes stay through group time and she is fine
with that (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).
It has been my experience that teachers are often quick to tell parents
to leave. As a mom, I feel that this
would make me feel that my needs as a parent and the needs of the child were
being met.
The culture of the children would be represented through
dress up clothes, books, puzzles, dolls, and other activity centers. Not only would the classroom culture be
represented. I would create a space like
Adrianna had in her classroom where families could show something special about
their family. I would bring in other
cultures as well. Students need to see
other cultures to help them understand that the world is filled with diverse
people.
I would also have a space where families can communicate
with me, and I with them. I would create
a newsletter for families to explain what we are learning and ideas for
families and children. I would have an
open door policy with families as well.
I also like how Adrianna supported the emotional development
of the children by having a space where they were allowed to express themselves
and continue crying (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). I would include an area that had soft
furnishings and family photos where children could express themselves in a safe
environment.
This is only a beginning to creating an affirming environment!
Derman-Sparks,
L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children
and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC).
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). EDUC
6357 Diversity, Development, and Learning [Webcast]. Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning
Community. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2819834_1%26url%3D
Hi Kristi,
ReplyDeleteI really love the idea of soft furniture and family pictures. You can put them on the wall as well as making books with them. The children in my class will carry around our class family photo album and talk about each family in the book with every child. They also like to share the pictures on the wall of themselves and their families.
Luci
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteThe class environment should be engaging and inviting. I like that you focus on parental involvement. I also agree that materials should teach and represent diversity.
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that parental involvement is a big part of a child's development. Parents should always feel welcome and it is our responsibility to ensure them that our doors are always open and that any concerns/comments are welcome. The learning environment should present a inviting presents.
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your idea about having pictures on the wall. It makes sense, if they see themselves on the wall they will feel as if they are actually apart of the school and they will have more pride in attending your daycare. I also liked the idea of having the parents stay, even thought I do feel like after the second or third day of the child's first couple of days at school the parent needs to leave. I think it causes a distraction with child/parent and separation anxiety.
Thanks again for sharing I really liked reading your post!
-Antonia
Hello Kristi,
ReplyDeletePhotos on the walls are a great way to welcome children and families into your center. They are a part of your daily lives and just as we put our own families up and they feel special families and children will feel the same.
It is true that people say leave quickly and it gets better, but that is not always true for every child. Each child has their own way of getting adjusted to a place and as Adrianna ( Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) had a place to make the transition we all may need a transition place and time to make it easier for the child and the parent. Your open door policy of having somewhere to talk and information going out the families is a great way to keep in touch with the families and reaffirm the connections that you have with the children. It is also a way to keep the families’ way of raising their children at the center of your program.
The news letters can serve as a reminder of what is going on and give the parents something to talk to their children about. You will make great strides in making the environment an anti- bias environment by building on the common ground and keeping in contact with the families (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).
References:
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Building on children's strengths. [Multimedia]. Baltimore, MD. Retrieved on May 14, 2013, from: https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/framset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Fytpe%3DCourse%26id%3D_2819834_1%26url%3D