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.)
A time that I can remember was sometime last year, my cousin that was five at the time, we had gone to buy a fish/ toys for the dog at Pet Smart. When we entered the store my cousin saw a marine with a cane and one leg (prosthetic) and a service dog. She said out loud "he has a fake leg" "what happened?" I quickly responded "I am so sorry" and to her I told her that is not polite to say everything that we are thinking/feeling. The guy was maybe in his early thirties, he said that it was okay. Then he began to have a conversation with my cousin, about his leg. He told her that he got hurt, while trying to keep us safe. And his dog is there to help him with things and to keep him company. Then my cousin responded with "thank you" for keeping us safe.
What messages might have been communicated to this child by the adult's response
When the marine had that conversation with my cousin, it showed how important conversation is as well as of understanding. The marine had the understanding that this was a five year old child curious of a situation, so the marine provided her with conversation. My cousin, got a better understanding that everyone has a story. Now at the age of six she see's someone with a prosthetic leg, she will say "ya,ya" maybe they were helping to keep us safe.
An example of how an anti-bias educator might have responded to support the child's (or classroom's ) understanding
As an anti-bias educator he/ she could bring in a guest speaker or even some books on that particular/ disability. Just like mentioned in the video file, children books are an important tool to an anti-bias approach (Laureate Education, Inc, (n.d.) The video file also mentions how asking open-ended questions can help a child to think critically about the answers given. Just like example in the video file, the child did not want to play with the very dark baby doll, and when asked why? she told the teacher that the baby is dirty because it has darker skin. (Laureate Education, Inc (n.d.) I like the fact that the teacher then set up a an area where the child could wash the baby and then asked her how she felt about the doll now? after explaining to the child that we all come in different shades and colors and the child washing the doll to help support that fact, then the child began to play with the dolls (Laureate Education, Inc (n.d.). I really liked this example that the video file gave, it made it relatable and easy for the child to understand.
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer).(n.d.). Start seeing diversity: Physical ability and characteristics [Video file] https://class.waldenu.edu
Takeisha,thank you for sharing your experience. Children are curious about things they do not normally see, they make comments, and ask questions. It was very honorable for the Marine to take the time to explain what happen to him and how his dog assists him. By him giving the child an open and straightforward answers it helped the child learn that disability is a part of human diversity and helps eliminate fears.
ReplyDeleteTakeisha,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience. We as adults quickly become embrassed by what our young children sometimes say. You did a great job, first apologizing for the comment and allowing the Marine a chance to give a better understanding. My grandma use to always say, "when you know better you do better" this saying is just for adults only. Children can learn it too. Children are naturally curious about differences. That curiosity has to be given a chance to grow and learn. I am thankful the Marine took the time to explain.
Hi Takeisha, thank you so much for sharing this story. I adored this story and thought it was great how the marine opened up and shared the story of his prosthetic leg with your cousin. It taught her about different ways people can lose various abilities and gave her a new perspective on people she sees who share these characteristics. I remember one time I was playing in the dollhouse center with one of my students, and she held up a doll with an eye patch and stated that she was a pirate. I was unsure of what to say I didn't want to discourage her imagination, so I said maybe she is, but she doesn't have to be, sometimes people have eye patches even if they are not a pirate. Now I know a way I could have dived deeper with this discussion was showing pictures and stories of people wearing eye patches for a plethora of different reasons. Thank you again for sharing this inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteReference
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Start seeing diversity: Physical ability and characteristics [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu