This week, we were asked to view a media presentation
on seeing diversity. My initial reaction after seeing the sections on gender
and same-sex families, they really resonated to me as an early educator. There
were many times within my career that I would sit down beside a child rolling
playdoh, and automatically assume she was making a pie, when she explains to me
the part she was rolling was the ground to her volcano. When seeing two boys
play in dramatic play, wrapping their babies and feeding them, there was an assumption
that they were the brothers, when in fact they were playing mother and father.
I was asked to think about my
response to those who believe that early childhood centers, should avoid the
inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex
partnered families.
By providing an inclusive environment where
children are exposed to differences in same-sex families, gay or lesbian
individuals, we are first ensuring that all families are valued and welcomed. Secondly, by providing books that illustrate a
diverse group of families, we are letting children and families know, there is
not a one set model of what a family looks like, and lastly, we are helping
children learn to value their own differences, as well as others, and learn
acceptance and respect.
I was
also asked to share my thoughts on how I would respond to a parent/family
member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or
self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or
interacting with their child.
I feel that is Important for the families to
know that as educators, we work hard and providing an inclusive, safe, and
trusting environment for both the children and the families. As educators, it
is also our responsibility to provide an anti-bias curriculum, which teaches
children the importance of awareness, sensitivity, respect, and compassion, in
terms of working with, and accepting others that are different from them.
In many schools there are harassment policies,
which protects individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. By educating
the families on how we strive at eliminating bias, stereotypes, and prejudice,
may force them to re think their views on what type of individual is “suitable’
for educating their children, as well as force them to recognize their own bias
and prejudice.
I found a really good YouTube video about 30 minutes,
on children of LGBT families, speaking out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9xfHqT1HEY&feature=em-share_video_user
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Start seeing diversity:
Gender [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI agree that supplying our classrooms with books and materials that support the diversity within children’s families is a needed step in creating anti-bias early learning environments. These materials along with our anti-bias approach to encouraging discussions on the topic of diversity are important program elements that assist in creating respectful and inclusive classrooms and communities.
Sandra
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI agree that early childhood centers should include books on same-sex partnered families. Children will learn that there are many types of families and they will gain an understanding of and respect for same-sex partnered families. Thank you for sharing the documentary. I found it enlightening and gained a deeper understanding and respect for same-sex partnered families.
Hello Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteYou have shared interesting details in your blog. In our preschool center, a couple of students were having a debate on who should play mom and dad in home living. two boys wanted to play with dolls. A female student said, "Y'all can't play with dolls, only girls can." I walked to where the students were standing to identify the problem. The girl expressed on "Peter" and "David" wanting to play dolls. Soon after, "David" replied, "We just want to take care of babies." Primarily, reason for the two boys actions is that their parents are expecting a baby soon and they wanted to show classmates on how to nurture babies. Thus, adults should communicate with children to clear misconceptions.
Tanya Terrell