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Self-reflection and knowing who you are is a good starting point for working collaboratively with all families. How are you unique? How have you grown to be who you are? What do you value? What are your perspectives on children and their families?
The family members you work with will be different from you. Many points of view exist on any given topic related to children and what is best for them. While individuals often engage in trying to convince others to take their position, there is also value in hearing and understanding multiple perspectives, particularly when making decisions. It will be important for you to reflect on how you form your opinions and make decisions.
Development of Identity
Children will watch every move you make. They learn about themselves through what they are deliberately taught and by observing. Cultural patterns and expectations are sometimes spoken aloud, but very often are demonstrated and “taught” to the child through modeled behavior they observe from the adults in their lives.
Even though children start to notice differences as early as three months of age, they start developing their attitudes about others and themselves by the age of two. By age three the child will be happy to repeat what they have heard from others about differences. Make certain all children see themselves reflected in your classroom activities. This means that your materials and activities will:
This type of curriculum is referred to as multicultural or anti-biased. Keep in mind that not all materials produced for children and purchased for classrooms are appropriate. Be especially careful with materials that are more than ten years old. Eliminate posters, books and other curriculum materials that have stereotyped images on them. Look for materials that appropriately portray diversity to expand children’s understanding.
There are many types of learning materials that can help children feel comfortable with their identity, as well as increase their awareness of other people. Make sure that your program reflects diversity in books, magazines, dolls, puzzles, paintings, music, and block area props, etc. (refer to checklist activity).
Children will watch every move you make. They learn about themselves through what they are deliberately taught and by observing. Cultural patterns and expectations are sometimes spoken aloud, but very often are demonstrated and “taught” to the child through modeled behavior they observe from the adults in their lives.
Even though children start to notice differences as early as three months of age, they start developing their attitudes about others and themselves by the age of two. By age three the child will be happy to repeat what they have heard from others about differences. Make certain all children see themselves reflected in your classroom activities. This means that your materials and activities will:
- Support each child’s sense of self and family,
- Engage children in the acceptance and appreciation of differences and similarities in people, and
- Help children better understand beliefs and customs different from their own.
This type of curriculum is referred to as multicultural or anti-biased. Keep in mind that not all materials produced for children and purchased for classrooms are appropriate. Be especially careful with materials that are more than ten years old. Eliminate posters, books and other curriculum materials that have stereotyped images on them. Look for materials that appropriately portray diversity to expand children’s understanding.
There are many types of learning materials that can help children feel comfortable with their identity, as well as increase their awareness of other people. Make sure that your program reflects diversity in books, magazines, dolls, puzzles, paintings, music, and block area props, etc. (refer to checklist activity).
The importance of deliberate inclusion
Do not underestimate the importance of deliberately creating a program that welcomes all children and their families. Children are deeply influenced by cultural socialization. Your attitudes and behaviors reflect your values, and children absorb these values. Your attitudes can have a powerful positive influence on children. It is important to commit to educating each unique child and to help all children learn to live together. As a professional you have a wonderful opportunity to be a positive role model in demonstrating respect for the dignity and worth of each family.
Do not underestimate the importance of deliberately creating a program that welcomes all children and their families. Children are deeply influenced by cultural socialization. Your attitudes and behaviors reflect your values, and children absorb these values. Your attitudes can have a powerful positive influence on children. It is important to commit to educating each unique child and to help all children learn to live together. As a professional you have a wonderful opportunity to be a positive role model in demonstrating respect for the dignity and worth of each family.
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