In the early childhood field you will come in contact with different types of people. During my first year at Head Start I had a student whom would say racist things to African Americans. For instance he would say, "He didn't have to listen because my dad said so," or" He would tell the teachers that black people are beneath me."In listening to this student I really had an issue understanding why a parent would allow a child to speak in this manner. When I spoke to the parents about their son behavior in class the first thing the mom said was, "I don't know why he talks like that and the mom continues to tell the teacher that her husband is ADHD and whn he doesn't take his medicine sometime he can be a bit all over the place especially with watching violent movies and playing video games." Well the teachers and some of the staff expressed their concernes about this behavior in class because it was getting to the point were other students where going home and telling their mom what was being said and some parents called and expressed there concerns. Needless to say once we talked to the parents and also talked to the children about racism the children understood that we all are created equal and no one is superior to another race. Once this student started taking medicine for his behavior he calmed down a lot. He actually became one of my best students.
This experience really showed me that children learn from what they see, and hear and as educators we also have to becareful in what we say because every little word or thing could affect chiledren on how they speak and interact with other children and people. Parents are children first teachers but so is professionals in the field of early childhood education.
I agree Denice as this child obviously had to be hearing some, if not all, of these comments at home or in his environment. It was good that that the faculty met and discussed the best way to handle this situation which showed the uniformity and everyone agreeing that everyone's feelings mattered within your center. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDenice,
ReplyDeleteAs we know the home environment plays a huge roll in a child's development. This is a great example of that. You did a good job of finding out the reason for the child's comments and a solution to discuss and solve the biased comments. Children generally do not understand what they are saying in those situations or how hurtful they can be. Biases, cultures and creating anti-biased environments are difficult and a touchy area. Thanks!
Homes and families are one of the biggest influences on young children these day. Not only with what is being said around them but what they watch on TV or play on the game systems they have at home. I glad you and your staff became proactive and helped the rest of the children and the little boy realize what he was doing.
ReplyDeleteRacism, it is hard to believe that we still have to deal with this issue in those days. For me, it is potentially unacceptable. I agree with you when you mention we are the example for the children. To confirm your fact, I understand that what ever we do or say to our children it is what they learn and bring home.
ReplyDeleteDenice-
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing how the mother was not defensive and she was willing to work with you on the issue. I can only imagine the comments that were made by the other students to their parents. It must have been a very hard situation for the staff to deal with as well. Thank you for sharing.