One aspiration with regard to diversity, equity, and social justice that I have about working together with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is to continue studying anti-bias and diversity issues. In order to be an effective advocate for marginalized and non-dominant cultures, early childhood professionals and educators must be willing to reflect on their own dispositions, values, beliefs, and biases. Without self-reflection and the willingness to learn through diverse families and communities, early childhood professionals are clueless regarding what marginalized and non-dominant cultures are struggling and facing in their lives.
One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to bring forth more practical materials for novice teachers who want to start teaching multicultural curriculums and social justice. It is important that teachers and educators are supported with great research-based practices that help them present these topics of discrimination, prejudice, and bias to children in an age-appropriate platform. Many teachers, like myself who are just learning about the importance of creating safe, diverse environments of social justice must have supporting materials, resources, and curriculums to assist us in implementing such a pedagogy in a most beneficial way for families and children.
I would like to thank all my colleagues, early childhood professionals, and master teacher Dr. Meyers for creating a safe platform and learning environment for me to grow professionally. I have learned so much from all of the early childhood professionals in our classroom through their shared related stories, experiences, and knowledge. I appreciate every personal story shared because in essence sharing them made each one of us grasp a deeper comprehension of the concepts learned. Thank you for hard work and dedication Dr. Meyers and thank you, colleagues, for your continued support and professional knowledge.
Lily,
You make such a valid point about materials. I agree we need to improve access to books, activities, and other curricular tools that would help teachers new to the field more adeptly create an inclusive environment. As I categorize my class library this summer, I am noticing so much more of what is missing in terms of culture, age, and ability representation. It is difficult finding the tools necessary, which means my students likely have an even greater difficulty finding themselves in the materials presented to them. Thank you for insights! I am wondering if we need a specific team within the school working toward this goal? Best wishes as you move forward in your journey.
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Great Post! we have some of the same ideas that we would like to see in the early childhood field. I would love to have an annual training on this subject matter to create a better environment for the kids and also to give us strategies and tools to make our classroom diverse.
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