In order to create an anti-bias child care setting for young children, it requires intentional thought and actions from the caregiver. The first step in the process would be to get to know the family culture of each child in the group. A few ideas that I liked from touring Adriana Castillo's home daycare were: a "family culture share" set up for a different family each month to bring in pictures and artifacts that describe their family's culture, a bulletin board with family pictures from each child, and pictures of the children on display in the daycare at the child's eye level (Laureate Education, 2011). By displaying pictures of each child and their family I hope to make the children feel welcome, important, and part of the group. The "family culture share" will provide another way for me to learn about what values and social identities are present in each child's home culture. Inviting the families into my home daycare as often as possible and talking to them at pick-up and drop-off will also help.
For true anti-bias curriculum it is important not to get caught in the trap of a "tourist curriculum" where the class studies different cultural groups from around the world mainly focusing on holidays and stereotypes. Rather it is essential to plan themes revolving around "self-discovery, children's neighborhoods, community helpers, transportation, work, and harvesting food" (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 48). By focusing more on the children's own surroundings, I can learn about what they already know and how to help them understand cultural similarities and differences through these themes (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).
In order to teach acceptance and tolerance of others, I would listen to what the children in my group are saying to each other, what questions they are asking, and how they are playing together. Through their play and interactions with others, I can learn about what they need from me as an anti-bias educator. It is important to be listening for any teachable moments and to take advantage of those moments by talking about stereotypes and biases that may be developing (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. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author
A family childcare home should celebrate the cultural diverse background of all families. Asking families to share their family’s culture is a great way to promote their child’s learning and development. It helps build a strong sense of cultural identity for the child. Also, inviting families to come in and share their experiences with the children supports all children to understand and appreciate diversity.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the previous comment that each child and families cultures and diversities should be celebrated. Young children at a very early age begin to notice differences in one another. We as educators need to embrace each child's culture and to make sure they embrace their culture as well. You are right in that children learn a great deal through play so each of their centers or play areas should contain items that show and embrace different cultures.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point about not having diversity being just a bunch of cultures but rather having the curriculum focused on self-discovery...this does in some cases however, especially with underrepresented groups, mean that certain cultures must be highlighted. Our texts says that it is as much about what is not seen as it is about what is seen.