Tuesday, December 12, 2017

"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.

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