Creating Affirming Environments

 

 

 

 

Creating Affirming Environments

            When creating the anti-bias classroom children’s needs have to be met by recognizing their social indentify.  I would call my program “We Are a Learning Family” because the word “family” denotes closeness.  Upon entering the center families would see family pictures posted on the wall which would let children know that they are important at school.  Separation of parent and children is often made easier when children can view family pictures throughout the day (Laureate Education, 2011).  I would also have a pictorial schedule for the parents to see when they come in and for the children to follow during the day.  Children feel comforted when they know what is coming next in the day.  There would be a multicultural rug in the morning meeting area so children can appreciate visual pictures of different cultures.   When the children enter in the morning there will be music playing from different cultures daily.  Family pictures would be displayed on the wall and there would be a comfort corner with pillows in order to soothe children that may be having emotional melt downs. 

I would have a large variety of multicultural books in every area in the room in all centers.  I would have a lot of learning materials including skin colored crayons and paints so children create artwork that matches their own skin color.  Families would be invited to come into the classroom once a week to share cultural stories, or share cultural artifacts with the class so the children can learn to appreciate differences.  There would also be a big basket of persona dolls that represent various cultures so children can use in the different interest areas (blocks, dramatic play, library, etc.) in the classroom.  When all cultures are represented in the classroom in a positive way, children and families feel a sense of belonging (Derman -Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  My goal is to provide a welcoming environment where all children can strive and thrive to be respected, proud, intelligent and caring citizens that would advocate for justice around the world.

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

            ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children

            (NAEYC).

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an

            anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author