The second
important thing is arranging the environment in a way that creates a
comfortable space where families can talk with one another and with me (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I will definitely
make sure to arrange my home center a way that resembles how Adriana from this
week’s media presentation, Welcome to Anti bias Learning” (Laureate Inc, 2011) arranged
her family child care center. I liked her idea of greeting children in a room
and than transitioning to the nap room or the room where children will express
their emotions when their parents leave. The family Culture Share is another
thing I will also do in my center to give the families an opportunity to share
special and unique things about them and their culture.
Dr. Derman Sparks and Olsen Edwards (2010) described that toys,
materials, and equipment you put out for children; the posters, pictures, and
art projects you hang on the wall; and the types of furniture and how you
arrange them all influence what children learn (p. 43). I will make sure that
my home day care center reflects the identity of every child. I will by provide
learning materials that accurately and non stereotypically reflect their language,
culture, family structure, their abilities, race, and the different types of
jobs of parents. One of the materials that grabbed my attention in chapter four
is buying a camera. Dr Derman-Sparks and Olsen Edwards discussed that the camera
is one of the best tools we can have for anti bias work because it will permit
us to make books, posters, classroom bulletin board, and learning materials
specific to the families and children in the program (p.44). And of course in
addition to the above mentioned strategies and materials, the free play area should
include many books, puzzles, different skin color dolls that make every child
feel visible in the program.
I simply want my interactions with families and the environment of my center
to show parents and children that my center is a place where we appreciate and
welcome diversity. I also want them to feel that having a different race,
family structure, language, disability, being homeless, or any other unique
characteristics are not a deficit, but they are a strength that they should be proud
of and build on.
Reference:
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). “Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community.”
Laureate Education Inc., (2011). “Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community.”
I love how you thought to use a camera to make books, posters, and learning materials. I have found that by using pictures of the children, they more likely to pick up on the information you are teaching. Not only did you have a hands on activity where the children had to act out a scene for a picture, but they also will have a visual representation. This could become very handy when teaching information like stereotypes and biasness.
ReplyDeleteHi Bouthwaina,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of having a welcoming area where there is time and space to chat with the parents and the children can come in as they feel comfortable. As I was reading, I wondered what that would look like at my present school and I fear it would become more about the parents and less about the children. That would need careful monitoring by the school leaders. I am often reminded that this is my job and passion and parents have different jobs and passions. There is also the tendency to expect the child's life to cater to the adult lives. I guess if opening our own school, we could make this clear before starting.
I also see the wisdom of a camera both for the teachers and in the homes.
Thanks for your ideas and dreams.