Sunday, July 19, 2009

I believe...

I believe educators have a responsibility to find ways develop positive attitudes about people of different races and physical abilities. “Anti-bias curriculum should be grounded in developmental approach. If we are to facilitate children’s sense of self-esteem, critical thinking and abilities to stand up for themselves and others, then our methodology must allow them to experience their intelligence and power as having constrictive effect on their world.” We still have a lot of bias: family structure, racial, disability, gender, sexual orientation, cultural, language. Using persona dolls in the classrooms is a unique way to teach children recognize and reject bias. It will help them to stand up against bias when they encounter it. It is important to learn how to deal with these issues. Teacher’s role is to help students understand what bias is and how hurtful it can be.

I believe teachers can create a positive atmosphere that will help them to feel that each of them is special. The stories at Rethinking book (Ernesto’s curly hair, Carlos’ skin color) tell us that students don’t know how to fight against the values of white privilege. They want to change themselves because some of students think that they are ugly. Teacher should advocate for those children and families Teachers have to discuss this with students and point out that the students value comes not from the color of their skin or how she/he looks, but in their individual personalities. If person is kind, generous, responsive, hardworking, respectful of others opinions, willing to help others etc. Those are the qualities that are valuable.

In my classroom I will encourage students share their experiences and create relationship as treatment of others. Good relationships between teacher students and parents will develop trust, confidence, and improve skills in many different areas. Humor, positive reinforcement, patience, tolerance, inclusion, respect will be the basis of that relationship. Providing communications, addressing cultures and fundamental issues I can get voices to be heard and make decision what is best for my students.

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