Share
Preview
Instead of standing on the shore and proving to ourselves that the ocean cannot carry us, let us venture on its waters just to see. – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Trouble viewing this email? View or print in browser
Exchange Every Day - Your free source of early childhood inspiration and news.
04/27/2021
Answering Questions about Anti-Bias Education
Instead of standing on the shore and proving to ourselves that the ocean cannot carry us, let us venture on its waters just to see.
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
In their new professional development film, Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Practice: The Early Years, released for free screening, Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo intentionally sought out a diversity of teachers and programs to tell the story. One question that has come up from viewers is how the ideas apply to settings that are predominantly White. Debbie and John offer the following advice:

“The anti-bias approach is intended for all kinds of settings, regardless of the community’s diversity. The four anti-bias goals of identity, diversity, justice and action are relevant for all children. Of course, where you start and what strategies and curriculum you use may differ depending on your context.

One helpful resource is the book What If All the Kids are White? Anti-Bias Multicultural Education with Young Children and Families (2011) by Derman-Sparks, Ramsey, and Edwards. Here is a short resource they put together. You can begin by exploring the intersecting diversities that already exist (across gender, ability, social class, heritage, languages, gender expression, age, religion, etc.) even when a group is predominantly White. There are other things you can do to extend the children’s world - to provide meaningful 'windows' into diversity. For instance, you or people in your community (including parents, businesses, and local organizations) might have family members, friends, or colleagues who have different racial and ethnic backgrounds who might be willing to be part of your program in meaningful ways, either through a field trip or a guest visit. Strive for lasting relationships rather than a one time event. There is much diversity to discover beyond the immediate school community.

Young children are already observing racial diversity around them in the media and as they venture outside their families, and are forming ideas about what these differences mean. Quality children’s literature is another way for children to discover people and experiences outside their immediate world. We can help them make connections about what is similar and what is different. Read stories that provide children with multiple perspectives and layers that also engage children in conversations about what they are thinking. For example, look for stories, situations and characters that resonate for your children because of a shared or similar experience. You can also use persona dolls, as shown in the film, to introduce characters with complex and authentic stories, and that include similarities and differences from the children in your classroom. The Guidebook that accompanies the film is packed full of additional resources. Be creative, do your research, and make connections beyond your own community.”
Share with a friend:
 
 
 
Exchange Essentials

Buy two, get two free with
coupon code
ESSENTIALS
The Exchange Essentials PDF, Anti-Bias Education, provides tools and strategies for promoting anti-bias education.

In our large collection of Exchange Essentials, you'll find resources on subjects such as administration, child development, curriculum, environments, family, and leadership.
Offer valid through April 28, 2021, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. May not be combined with any other offer. Not valid on past purchases or bulk purchase discounts.
 
ExchangeEveryDay is a free service of Exchange Press. View this article online at ExchangePress.com.
Don't miss out on FREE Resources from Exchange!
Sign up and get notified of limited time access to free resources.

 
FOLLOW US
 
 
 
 
This email was sent to debbie.leekeenan@gmail.com by
Exchange Press, 7700 A St, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510, United States

Exchange Press is a program of Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Copyright © 2021 Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, All rights reserved.


Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign