Gender, gender identity and sexual orientation are very
complex topics and diverse experiences related to them are crucial to a child’s
healthy development. “Gender is the first core identity that gets young
children’s attention. It develops very early: By age 2, children begin to
describe themselves as boys or girls, although they are not yet sure what that
means” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.90).
Children are growing up in a world full of contradicting
ideas. They are taught that all people are created equal and therefore should
be treated as equals and yet they live in a world in which this is definitely
not the case. It is important that diversity is discussed and explained in the
classroom therefore I want to ensure that I am prepared to do so in a way that
it is honest, just and ethical. I want to provide an environment that is safe and
understanding and teaches diversity in a way that is rich and meaningful to my
young students. As a teacher I hear often, “You can’t play at this center, this
game is for boys” or “I don’t want a pink sticker they’re for girls”. I want to
ensure that I am taking the time to address and talk about these assumptions
openly with my students in a way that feels safe and secure. I really
appreciated the way in which the media segment portrayed the teachers asking
the children questions about their thoughts. “Why do you think girls cannot be
doctor’s?” or “Has anyone ever seen a female doctor?” I also loved the way that
the children were always part of the learning process. They were not just told,
“Girls can be doctors too”- the learning came from them collaboratively. They
even went out into the community so that the children could see for themselves
that gender roles are not only linked to what they perceive. One boy even
caught himself using a stereotype which showed his ability to reflect and
realize that his thinking was incorrect (Laureate Education, n.d.).
The classroom activity outlined in this week’s gender media
segment showcased the stereotypical thinking children exhibit about gender at a
very early age (Laureate Education, n.d.). I also really liked the reflection
piece that the media representation brought into perspective as well. “Are we
more likely to view boys work as important?” It is important to instill diverse
learning experiences for the children in our care and to provide anti-bias
education to all students. This therefore means that as educators, it is our
responsibility to reflect on our actions and unconscious biases so that they
are not impeding our judgement and the development of the children in our care.
Much like Tina’s experience in using racial slurs
unintentionally and without recognition, so many people today use the term “that’s
so gay” without even realizing the meaning and connotation strung behind it. It
has become so common place that people say it negatively without remorse or
thought. We need to teach children that words can hurt and even they hurt
unintentionally they still have a huge impact and often consequence. It is
important for all children to see their culture in their classroom. “…when
children’s life experiences are invisible, and they hear and see negative, stereotypical,
or untrue representations of their lives, shame, confusion, and low self-esteem
will likely result (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.123).
References:
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias
education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Learning from Another's Life Story. (n.d.). Tina. Retrieved from:
http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/CH/mm/audio_player/index_week3.html
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Start seeing
diversity: Gender [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Start seeing
diversity: Sexual orientation [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://class.waldenu.edu
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