When creating my
anti-bias environment within my home childcare center, I would first keep in
mind that; educational environments which display differences and diversity
within a child’s community, helps engagement, promotes respect for others’,
enhances compassion, and empathy among peers, as well as provides comfort in
families knowing their child/children are in safe, non-judgmental, inclusive
learning environment. “ The toys, materials, and equipment you put out for
children; the posters, pictures, and art objects you hang on the wall; and the
types of furniture and how you arrange them all influence what children learn”
(Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 43).
In
this week’s media segment; Janis Keyser mentions how; “the way teachers think
about children, the way they perceive them, the things that they believe about
children, effect everything they do with children. They affect their interactions,
the planning, the environment, the curriculum” (Laureate Education, 2011). My childcare home will first include; natural
colors on the walls, and large windows that will display a great deal of
natural lights. Photographs of children and families will be posted on the
walls at the children’s eye level, the literature lining the book shelf will
include people from diverse religions, race, people of different abilities, and
families from all structures. Games and puzzles provided will also display a
diverse group of children and families, individuals in neutral “gender roles”,
foods and homes from different countries.
My art center will include paints of every
color, including Multicultural Tempera paints, which will allows children the
freedom to explore shades in relation to their own self, or their peers. I will
also display mirrors throughout the room, children will be able to see
themselves, and notice any emotions they may be experiencing throughout the
day. Music and movement is so important to children’s full gross motor range,
as well as provides exercise for each child. I will provide a diverse genre of
music, ranging from children’s songs, to classical, jazz, and so on. Children
will be able to hear different rhythms, beats, and instruments in the songs, they
may not ordinarily be exposed to.
Finally, my dramatic play center will
include pictures of the children in the classroom ( in addition to family
photos),engaging in materials, art, books, or just photos taken as they dress
up in the clothing, hats and shoes I provide. There will also be posters of
random individuals, such as elderly, differently abled, individuals with
glasses, and posters of foods from other countries, in addition to play foods
the children can actually manipulate. Baby dolls of all ethnicities, and
abilities will be provided, as well as blankets, and materials necessary to
care for a baby. “Our understanding of anti-bias issues shapes how we put
curriculum together each day. Just about every subject area in the typical
early childhood program has possibilities for anti-bias education” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen
Edwards, 2010, p. 47).
I created my center environment because I
want it to promote respect, inclusiveness, and also to provide a peaceful, and
loving community. Inside of this community, I want to provide an environment
where children will learn about diversity through exploration, peer engagement,
family involvement, and experiences through hands on materials.
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:
Building on children’s strengths. Baltimore, MD: Author
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteHaving an understanding of anti-bias education helps us reflect on our current practice and the environments we create for children. You have some great ideas that are easy to implement into any classroom or childcare space! I especially like your use of mirrors around the room to help children not only learn about their physical and emotional selves but also those of their classmates.
Sandra
Hello Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteCaring environments are important to young children because they can feel safe, secure and differences. The objective for Family Home Child Care is to build self-confidence with families to influence culturally responsive. "Most families want their children to grow up and proud of themselves and open to others, unbiased and empowered. It's something even very different kinds of families have in common, along with the desire to be the best parents possible and struggles with childrearing issues." (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p.42).
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young
Children and Ourselves, 42. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the
Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Tanya Terrell