Moving Forward:What I Have Learned

Throughout this course, I have learned many things about myself when it comes to being an anti-bias educator. It is my hope to always treat everyone with respect no matter their race, color, religion, etc. As I continue this early childhood education journey, one goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to diversity is for communitites to unite and work with ohters on the national level. If we want to see the full vision of anti-bias education come to fruition, then we must work with other community and national organizations to address a wide range of social and economic justice issues that affect, children, their families, and us as advocates (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

I would like to thank my colleagues for their encouraging words, inspiring discussion posts, and hard work during this class. I have learned many things from each of you. I wish you all the best as we continue on with this journey. I hope to have you in my future classes. Good luck!!!

Start Seeing Diversity

Diversity makes us who we are.
Investing in children’s lives will make a brighter future.
Valuing all people is the beginning of breaking the bias cycle.
Everyone has the right to be respected and understood.
Race, age, color, class, and disabilities are all included and embraced.
Sexual preferences are the rights of all individuals.
Inspire others to look inward and seek ways to be anti-bias.
Think before reacting to things you see and hear.
You can make a difference!

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

We have a young lady in our church that is confined to a wheelchair. She has a five year old that rides on the back while she holds a baby. This scene is heartbreaking as she comes up the church sidewalk. It seems as though every Sunday some child will make a comment as to why this lady is in this condition. If you look at her feet and legs it is evident that she can not use them to walk. Children say things such as "What is wrong with her?", "Why does she look that way?" or "Why is Anna's mommy riding in that chair?" Most of the time parents will say "Shhhh, I will talk to you later about this" or "Be quiet they will hear you." I know these words are hurtful to this young mother. Children are very observant and have many questions. I think adults and educators should use children's literature that displays people's disabilities to communicate and help children understand that not all people are the same. Also, I think it is important to talk about how hurtful some of our words can be to others. People with disabilities live in a world designed primarily for the able-bodied. People with disabilities want to live life no differently than anyone else. They want to be able to go shopping, go to the movies, go out to eat, work, and enjoy life, fully realizing that must be done within the boundaries of their limitations (Eustice, n.d.).


References
Eustice, n.d. People with disabilities want to live life . Retrieved from http://dpobahamas.webs.com