My vision for an anti-bias classroom is actually quite simple. All families and children would be represented, as well as displaying pictures of all cultures and races. I would ensure my students as well as their families knew we were all a big family. This is actually what my classroom currently looks like. I have several ELL students; any and ALL information I send home is translated into their home language. This has always made my parents of the ELL students feel good about sending their child to school because they know I am going to communicate with them regardless of their language.
Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) reminds us we are to have materials that invite children to explore and discover. An ideal anti-bias environment embraces this. Many cultures are represented through play, music and movement, puzzles, and reading material. (As well as all other centers)
Books should be a wide variety with much diversity, but engaged students to want to explore. Many books about different races, traditions, as well as languages should be purchased and used.
Puzzles should be diverse, as well. I have witnessed my students having discussions about the puzzles I place out. They will begin to explore the puzzles, but then I find them in conversations about the differences of the people and the "parties" they are having. This is so amazing for acceptance, learning to appreciate diversity, as well as oral language development.
A wide variety of music should be used. Again, I have several ELL students who only speak Spanish, so I make sure I play songs that are in Spanish. It is absolutely wonderful for all of my students as they begin to appreciate each other and the language spoken.
These are a just a few of the centers that should be culturally diverse; all centers should be this way. Dolls should be all ethnicities that are present in a classroom or center as well as dress up clothes that represent a variety of traditions, cultures, and races. It is important to remember "The look and sounds of the room reflect the family cultures and daily lives of children" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 43). I want all families to know we represent everyone, accept everyone, and embrace each other daily.
References
Derman-Sparks, & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias education for young children and ourselves.
Washington D.C. National Association for the Education of Young Children( NAEYC).
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. You have to make a culturally diverse classroom all the way through the centers. I think it is very important to think about the areas and what needs to be done to create this type of environment. In my mind the classroom would look amazing!
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeletehow lucky is the students in the center where you work to have such a wonderful support. Each of the student's culture, tradition as well as personal ability were very appreciated there. I am very impressed when you mentioned that any information you send home is translated into their home language. I can imagine how their families would all feel supported, accepted and appreciated with this great way of communication.
Regards,
Evita Kartikasari
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. The idea of having music in the classroom for the students is a great thing to have and do.
I wonder, because I am not currently in the early childhood classroom, how easy it is to access diverse learning materials? I have noticed while ordering supplies that you can order multi-racial colored construction paper and crayons. How easy is it though to access diverse dolls, posters, and books? I'll have to look into that!
ReplyDelete