Reflection and farewell

This module has been an eye opener and a journey of self exploration. So much of the contents resonates deeply within me. Living in Cape Town, South Africa I witness devastating poverty and discrimination on a daily basis. Even though we are into our third decade of democracy we still have a long ways to go. The gap between rich and poor is alarming and often confronting. As an educator I believe that it all starts with early childhood education. That ECD is the core and roots for a strong and solid foundation for the future of our children. Not only on a personal level but for an entire nation. When a tree has firm and nourished roots it can grow strong and weather the worst storms.
Early Childhood Education is the forefront for developing a fruitful life that benefits communities and changes societies.
My hope for working with families and children from diverse backgrounds is to see success in inclusivity. To be the change in the system and model the attitude that needs to be adopted so that all children have equal opportunities to a nurturing and rich foundation of education. By providing opportunities for open discussion and times to celebrate our diversities, I feel that children will adopt an intrinsic appreciation and respect for all race, religion and cultures.
I would like to take a moment to thank my fellow students for honestly sharing your experiences and openly divulging your biases and discomforts, as challenging as it was at times.  I can confidently say that I have learnt a great deal in these eight weeks that I shall not only implicate in my teaching but also advocate in my career.
Good luck to you all in your journey through education.
Be the difference your want to make!
Kind regards from a windy Cape Town, South Africa

Amanda

Beauty and strength in healing

Chipped away at

Knocked and bruised

Slowly paling

Slowly shrinking

He is big

He is strong

He is the boss

He will decide

I am small

I am weak

I am not good

I need a lesson

Slowly chipped away at

Knocked and bruised

Slowly paling

Slowly shrinking

Another bang

Another bad

More words to a broken heart

But

Now I am bigger

Now I am big

No more hurt

And no more pain

Stop

Healing and mending

Beauty in the cracks

Filled with gold and stronger than before

Light catches the cracks and shimmers

My light is eternal

My pain is no more

By understanding ones own biases we can better overcome them and make sure that we are aware of any biases or prejudices that occur in the environment at school. By role modeling good behavior we can ensure that children see and understand the importance of treating one another with respect and tolerance. Celebrating one another's differences and similarities.

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

A time when you witnessed an adult (or yourself) reprimand or silence a child after he or she pointed out someone they saw as different (e.g., "That lady talks funny," " That man only has one leg!" "Why is that man so pretty!"). Include what the child said and what the adult did or said in response. (Note: If you cannot think of a specific time ask a friend or family member.)

When I read the theme of this week's blog assignment it really made me stop and think. I hate to admit that I have been guilty of this more than once. I can not remember doing that as a teacher in the classroom environment but I have responded in that way with my own children.
One example,
My oldest son was 7 years old and we were still living in Indonesia. In a rural barber shop where the boys were getting their hair cut, came a severely disabled man. He had no limbs and was very overweight. I was so nervous what the boys were going say and was not sure how to respond to the situation myself. I quickly told my boys in Dutch not to ask questions and that I will explain it later to them.

What messages might have been communicated to this child by the adult's response

Thinking back I think that made it seem like something unspeakable and negative. I was merely trying to spare the man embarrassment or sadness. I would not do it the same the next time. I think my boys must have been so curious to know why the man looked different and I should have been more natural about it to not attach any shame or silence to it.

An example of how an anti-bias educator might have responded to support the child's (or classroom's ) understanding

As a teacher thinking more about this situation I would respond differently to a child in my class. I would say this man is disabled and needs this wheelchair to get around, do you like the wheels? depending on the age of the child of course. I would try to keep it natural and not make it an awkward situation for anyone. I would also want to let them know that this is part of life and should not be seen differently.