Passionate Hope

My most passionate hope is for teachers to receive anti-bias education and implement anti-bias practices within the classroom environment. I feel this is important because it encourages children to learn to accept people who are different from them and for children to understand themselves. Early childhood is the period of time that they are exploring everything around them, and learning through observation. Children in anti-bias environments understand that other people have different cultures, religions, and views on life. Each of theses factors contributes to thinking patterns, interactions with  others, and responses to different situations. In my experiences, I have seen children be labeled by teachers and parents as slow, sweet, and spacey. These children could be negatively influenced because the child could carry that  label for the rest of their lives. It is very important for teachers and other key adults to support and encourage children to communicate what they are feelings/thinking and be respectfully challenged to see another point of view too.

I want to thank professor Kien and all of my colleagues for sharing your individual perspectives and for your willingness to learn about new perspectives different from your own. I have learned a lot about anti-bias practices through the resources, Professor Kien sharing her knowledge, and interacting with classmates. One of the most thing that I have learned is to never make an assumption about anything or anybody because they may surprise you. It has been an honor working with you all. I wish you all the best in your future.

Salesha