A hope that I have when working with children and families
from diverse backgrounds that I have, after taking this course, is that I will
be able to meet them with respect, appreciation, and acceptance. I hope that I will be able to engage with
them in honest discussions and develop true partnerships with them.
I
believe that a goal for early childhood in regard to diversity, social justice,
and equity is to make anti-bias curriculum a required component for schools and
centers. Anti-bias curriculum teaches teachers and children how to navigate
the diverse world around them. I am
aware of many centers and preschools that do not incorporate any components of
anti-bias curriculum nor have their teachers been trained in it. I believe that doing this would increase
social justice for all.
Finally,
I would like to think all of my classmates, colleagues, and our professor as we
have navigated down this enlightening journey.
For me, this course has been very challenging because it brought to
light issues that I did not even know I had.
Thank you all for contributing to my understanding of all the important concepts
we have studied.
Hi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteI know that many higher education institutions have now adopted policies that require teaching aspects related to diversity must be a part of their curriculum. As I read your post this doesn't make much sense to me. Why do we wait so long? You are right an anti-bias, diversity curriculum needs to begin in early childhood.
Joseph,
ReplyDeleteI agree that early childhood programs need to include anti-biased curriculum, and I think that the change will occur as teacher preparation courses such as this provoke us to look deeper at diversity. To be effective anti-bias approaches need to part of the everyday way of being and not the common tourist approach. It is amazing to think we are more than half way through our program at this point.
I second your ideal to provide anti-bias curriculum to more programs. The more individuals who have access to this material the better the future will be. I believe that in addition to the curriculum there should be some level of addtional support once the training is complete. In part to help answer questions and concerns that come up as these ideals are put into practice, and part to keep those who have been trained from burning out or "forgetting" the importance of this work.
ReplyDelete