I can recall when I silenced one of my nephews because of a question that he asked concerning someone. He asked, "Why is that little girl so fat?" I blurted with anger, "Be quiet and do not say anything else!" I was upset and embarrassed by his question because the little girl was watching him, as he began to point his finger at her. After watching him pointing at her, she held her head down with sadness. I believe the messages that he received from my response included: that was not a good question to ask, I should keep my comments to myself, never question why a child is a certain size, and I can get in trouble if I ask the wrong questions. Looking back at it now, I should not have responded that way.
I believe one way an anti-bias educator could respond to this situation is by explaining to the child the affects this could have on the person being talked about. For instance, the educator could tell the child or class that asking a question out loud about their peers' differences could hurt their feelings. The educator could also explain that this could cause the child to have self-esteem issues and distance themselves from everyone. Also, I think it would be wise for the educator to include that all children are shaped differently and should be accepted and treated with fairness.
I believe responding in a positive manner will build relationships among teachers and students and they will be comfortable asking questions that they may not feel they could ask their parents. Edelman (2004) stated that, "A relationship-based organization is one in which quality relationships characterized by trust, support, and growth exist among and between staff, parents, and children; these relationships form the foundation for all the work that is done," p. 7).
Reference
Edelman, L. (2004). A relationship-based approach to early intervention.
Resources and Connections, 3(2). Retrieved from http://olms.cte.jhu.edu/olms/data/resource/1144/A%20Relationship- based%20Approach%20to%20Early%20Intervention.pdf
Hi Latasha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience! I had a similar experience, where one of the children in my class had called someone old because she had a cane. All we can really do as anti-bias educators is to help the child understand, first, that sometimes words can hurt people's feelings, and also that making observations is wonderful, but using the right words is important.
Hi Latasha,
DeleteI can only imagine how your nephew made you and the little girls feel. I have felt this way a time or two as well. I think that children are so blunt and honest that we can't always predict their moves even when we know them. I also think that your advice for the educator is the best thing that can be done in the classroom as well as at home.
Hi Latasha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience. I think you are on your way of becoming an anti-bias educator simply based on your responses on how that situation could be handled. You said that you should have handled the situation differently, but sometimes we do not think before we react because we are trying to stop things before they go on any longer. Things like this made me decide that I will teach my young daughter about differences and respect for everyone, to possible avoid her doing or saying things, especially in public, that she shouldn't.
Dear Latasha,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience. I believe, sometimes, children are so honest and pure that they blurt out whatever they saw of the different or new thing regardless the situation. As educator, it is important for us to prepare of responding them in a positive way. You have suggested the positive way.
Hi Latasha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I think as educators one of the hardest things will be is to teach children it is okay to be curious but we must also remember to be polite and mindful of others feelings. In many cases the intent is not be hurtful however it come out as hurtful. Thanks for sharing.