EDUC 6358: Reflecting on Learning

 According to Derman-Sparks (2010), learning about culture and fairness involves two aspects. The first is fostering a positive cultural identity to the children and introducing them to their peers' cultures through respectful interactions (Derman-Spark, 2010, p.55). As I learned the vital role a professional educator in an anti-bias classroom has, I wish that each early childhood classroom worldwide will implement an anti-bias curriculum. Teachers should expand their competencies and experience in working in a diverse environment where each child and his/her family will feel included, welcome and visible (Derman-Spraks, 2010).


In my anti-bias classroom, I will support my student's emotional growth and foster positive social identity and pride in their cultural background and heritage ( Derman-Spraks, 2010). Children will be encouraged to ask questions, speak about their differences freely, and get my guidance and support to promote empathy and fairness among our classroom's family. Besides, my diverse families will feel welcome, connected, as the school will portray their cultural background. I will collaborate with the families to better understand their culture and family traditions (Derman-Spraks, 2010).


On one last note, I would like to thank my colleagues, as they shared their experience and enlightened me with their wisdom, way of thinking, and passion for the anti-bias practice. Each one of you has inspired me in many ways.

Toda!

(Thank you in Hebrew)


Reference:

Derman- Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. o. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2021 at 9:56 AM

    Ilana,
    I have grown from your posts and blogs. I agree the essential element of inclusive and anti-bias community is open and honest communications where questions are welcome and respectfully answered or at least acknowledged. Thank you and good luck in your journey!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 3, 2021 at 4:55 PM

    Your blog entries have been great to read. I have learned a lot and gained much insight on your views. I wish you continued success in your journey.

    Dorothy Avant

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anthony SingletonMarch 3, 2021 at 8:34 PM

    llana,
    Your post have been very insightful throughout this course. I agree, making sure that children develop a positive image of themselves is important towards their development and their overall self being.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Travis AlumbaughMarch 7, 2021 at 6:22 AM

    Illana,
    Thank you for the insightful and informative posts throughout this and our previous courses. We are all in this together. I look forward to sharing and learning ECE knowledge with you and the rest of our cohort.

    "We must see children differently in order for them to behave differently"- Becky Bailey

    As always...enjoyed reading and responding
    Travis

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EDUC- 6164: My family Culture

Image
  I have to admit that it took me some time to decide which three items will represent my culture’s best. I thought of the three attributes that describe my culture: Jewish and Sephardic descent, which means that I am part of a generation of people who originated in North Africa. The first item: I chose a small plate and a cup that is sentimental to me. The cup indicates a religious ritual of tasting wine after a blessing to honor the “Shabbat,” which is the Seventh Day of the Hebrew week.   The second item: Is a” Haggadah,” which is a book that describes the story of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and includes chants and blessings. The Hagadah was custom-made and had memorable personal pictures of my nuclear family that captured many special moments throughout the years. The last item: Is a crown made out of precious stones and is kept in my family for generations. The crown is worn by a bride to be in a traditional ceremony called the “Henna” ceremony, which ...
Read more

My Connections to Play

Image
Pictures of essential play items for my younger self:                   Quotes that I feel summarize what play represented for me in childhood:   I feel that when I was growing up, our teachers and the grown-up in my life supported and encouraged our play. For instance, the curriculum in Early Childhood was mainly focused on providing children with “Natural play experience”, Wardle (n.d.).There was no rush for fostering academic studies, rather than allowing us to explore early literacy skills and numbers through play, and instilling phonological awareness through rhymes and music. I have vivid memories of myself as a young child playing and interacting with my teacher, as she took an active role in our play rather than observing only our play and learning process. The same was with my parents that encouraged us to play with our friends and played with us mainly outdoors. In my opinion, there is a huge gap betwe...
Read more