Last post I explained what I felt diversity was, this time I'm going to explore some of the methods I will use to minimize the negative effects of diversity on my students. I have developed these ideas based on the research I have been doing but the ideas are my own.
1. Get to know my students and their families
The first step for me will be to truly get to know my students and their families. Knowing their family will help me avoid stereotyping my students and will help me adapt the classroom to meet their individual needs. Since I would like to work in early childhood this may take the form of home visits before the school year begins. This would be a step in the pre-acceptance and would allow me a chance to get to know the child on familiar territory before they step into the classroom. It would also allow me to address concerns the parents may have and begin to modify the instruction for this child. It would also allow me to request a picture of the family together to use on the students locker so that their will already be a piece of their family included in the classroom on their first day.
2. Include families in our learning
It's important for young children to understand that differences exist but that this is normal. There is incredible diversity even in family structure so having family members included in the classroom begins to show young students that diversity exists but that it isn't something to be scared of. A lot of negative reactions begin in fear and ignorance. This is a way of removing both of these barriers. Asking parents to share family traditions which often have cultural roots is another way to explore the differences inherent in our society in a positive way.
3. Pick Quality Material
As part of our classroom there will be a small reading library and I think it's important that the books represent a wide variety of families, cultural groups and opportunities. A good book about firefighting would have both men and women of many cultures represented. Books on family should cover a variety of different family structures. The pictures and items I choose to display in the room should also be part of this. The calendar shouldn't only show Judeo-Christian holidays, the display items could be from a variety of cultures, any pictures should show a range of activities and skin colours. Outings would be planned to expose the class to many different ways of life, this could include visits to a farm, an office building and restaurant to show the range of different lifestyles. It is important to talk about these differences. Make the learning obvert by starting discussions about how different these people's lives are but looking for the core things that are the same.
4. Classroom rules
It is important to talk with students about behaviour expectations. They need to understand that it's okay that they have differences but that it's not okay to treat others badly because of their differences. Basic classroom rules like treat everyone nicely, take turns, include everyone can help by giving students a base to work from that models positive behaviours. When problems come up it is important to talk with the students about why they said those things and how they aren't appropriate for our classroom. Working to build community and respect within the classroom and giving everyone responsibility for creating this empowers children in positive behaviours.
5. Talk about it
This is probably the hardest step because we often want to avoid the uncomfortable topics especially in early childhood. However, it is important that we begin the discussions about discrimination before they have time to settle into established patterns. Many of the websites on the resource list have book lists that recommend great children's books to begin the discussion around a variety of topics. There are many resources to help teachers have the tough conversations but we have to be willing to go there. Beginning the discussion and then providing follow up support to parents so they can continue the discussion at home will help our students begin to view the world in a different way.
Megan
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