We Don't Say Those Words in Our Classroom

Negative conversation between a child and an adult concerning biases.
Child:  "Why are you brown skinned?"
Teacher:  screaming at child "That is totally inappropriate and you do not ever say that to anyone!  Do you understand me?"
*This was an actual conversation that took place between a child in my class and a co-worker.  I ended up having the child stand behind me while I tried to calm my co-worker down.  I also made sure I engaged in a calm conversation with the child after my co-worker left to talk about any questions he might have had.

Positive conversation between a child and an adult concerning biases.
Child:  "He took that train away from me."
Teacher:  "Who took the train away from you?"
Child:  "That white boy and brown boy over there."
Teacher:  "Let's go over there and see who you are talking about."
*This conversation actually took place in my classroom and although I knew who the child was talking about, I made sure to take the child over to the area where the children were playing and review the children's names with the child that came over.

Negative conversation between a child and an adult concerning biases.
Child:  "That kid looks weird." (Noticing a child having difficulty walking and using a walker)
Parent:  "I know. Just ignore her."
*I actually heard this conversation in the grocery store and it bothered me that the parent did not take the time to have a more positive conversation with the child.

Positive conversation between a child and an adult concerning biases.
Child:  "What is that girl sitting in?"
Teacher:  "The girl is sitting in a wheelchair."
Child:  "Why does she need to sit in a wheelchair?"
Teacher:  "Sometimes she has trouble walking and needs to use the wheelchair to get around."
*This conversation actually occurred in my classroom when a first grade student came to visit our classroom.  She has difficulty walking for long periods of time and often needs a wheelchair or walker.

Oftentimes children, especially young children, say things that adults find offensive. In retrospect, the children are speaking the truth through their observations and are seeking more information about the situation (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).  Children do not always have the words and/or understanding to comprehend other's differences (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). So as adults and educators we need to take advantage of conversations with children regarding biases and use those conversations as opportunities to help our children better understand other's differences as well as how we are all similar (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).

What a wonderful world it would be if children and adults could have more positive interactions about diversity!



                     

References

 

Armstrong, L. (1967).  What A Wonderful World.  Retrieved from

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5TwT69i1lU

 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

             

            ourselves.  Washington, DC: NAEYC.