Start Seeing Diversity
- A
time when you witnessed an adult (or yourself) reprimand or silence a
child after he or she pointed out someone they saw as different
The particular time most recent in my mind was when I "hushed" a child during a performance on a field trip. We were sitting in the auditorium, and periodically during the performance another person in the audience would make loud outburst of noise. After a few times of this happening, one of my students yelled across to me, "why does he keep making all that noise? It is so rude!" Of course, during the performance I told him to try to ignore it and watch the show. Talking about this with the child during the show was not appropriate, but I could have taken the moment to discuss it later. Sadly, I did not.
- What messages might have been communicated to this child by the adult's response
Not talking about it during the performance or bringing it up at all sends the message to the child that we should ignore the differences, and recognizing and talking about them is not okay. I feel it may have sent the message to the child that they were wrong for even asking or being curious. However, curious is something my student's know I think is important, and I always stress the importance of them asking questions about things on their mind. My comment back to this child sent a very different message, and by not taking the time to address it later only made that message more clear.
- An example of how an anti-bias educator might have responded to support the child's (or classroom's ) understanding
An anti-bias educator would have taken the time to discuss the situation after the field trip was over. I can picture an anti-bias educator gathering students in a class meeting and discussing differences some people have. It can also be discussed how despite the differences, this person in the audience was also able to sit back and enjoy the show just like we did. They took field trips just like we did, and went to school just like we do.
With all this in mind I decided to read closely the story of "Holding Nyla." It is in this story we are able to see what a true anti-bias teacher does in order to help her fact her fears, provide an anit-bias education for all the children, and allows Nyla to feel just as important in the classroom. Truly a story that will warm your heart!
Jo Ann
ReplyDeleteThanks your sharing your experience. This blog assignment really helped to me to appreciate that children should be heard not seen. There are several occasions where I have personally witnessed adults “shhhhing” children. I think the consequences for this is astronomical because children are not able to explore their natural curiosities. May I ask did the person in the audience have and exceptionality, and what do you think children should learn about this exceptionality or human difference?
Yes this person did. It was a special needs like from the school down the street from ours. I think it is important that children realize that differences exist between all of us, and those differences go beyond the way we look on the outside too. I also find it is important that children understand how these differences are not a barrier either. For example, even though this child had a difference my students did not understand, that child was still about to come out and enjoy the program just like us.
DeleteJo, I enjoyed reading your blog. Because children are not aware of varies abilities they will react/respond in their eyes to the unknown. If children are not aware of differences than how will they know? We have to teach them and help them to understand that all children are different but unitedly made. Great Blog!
ReplyDeleteJo,
ReplyDeleteIt is true that allowing the child to make comments about the other child would be appropriate. You might have said,We will talk about it later. Children are aware of differences but may not be able to identify what it is and why it is effecting the other person.
when you return to the classroom, that would be the place to discuss what was going on with the other child. It might me that other children had some questions about it also.
Great blog.
would not be appropriate, sorry
ReplyDeleteJo,
ReplyDeleteGreat example. Sometimes it is hard to remember that we need to discuss some things after class or after a field trip. I think hushing the child is fine, especially in that situation, but explaining afterwards the differences and why we need to keep quiet sometimes will put them at ease while still having them know they can still ask questions. Great blog!
Shannon
Jo,
ReplyDeleteA similar situation happened this week with my students. While at lunch, a student had to be walked out of the lunchroom by two teachers. While he was being walked/carried out of the lunchroom kicking and screaming, my students quickly stood up and began pointing and saying "look!” I told my students that they needed to have a seat and finish up with their lunch. I was not going to say anything else to my students about it because I thought it was none of our business especially since I did not know what was going on. Thanks to your blog post and this course, I changed my mind. As soon as we got back to class, we had a 15 minute discussion about the way we all handle situations differently and ways to observe others in moments like the one in the lunchroom. Thank you for sharing your story and showing me the importance of talking with my own students.