Creating Affirming Environments

It is my dream to one day have a child care center, to enhance the literacy development of children. First and foremost the setting would be an ideal place conducive for learning, where very child would feel secured, loved, and nurtured. I envisage a setting that will guarantee, be supportive of each child’s capabilities and strengths, and also provide quality experiences to the children. Research indicates that an environment rich in anti –bias materials invites exploration and discovery and supports the children’s play and conversations (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  Materials that are reflective of a variety of cultures would be a priority to implement. The use of persona dolls seems to be a strategy that is common as pointed out by Adriana in her Family Home Care, where she has different dolls and kids like Malik are able to share and tell their stories in a welcoming environment (LaureateEducation, Inc., 2011).

To enable children develop emotionally, socially, linguistically, intellectually, and physically  healthy; persona dolls, figurines, and block people would be used to introduce stories related to the children’s lives as well as broaden their awareness of various aspect of diversity (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). In addition, books that provide positive overture to children about human similarities and differences would be handy to help them develop and respect each other. Through open discussions and activities children would freely express their feelings and learn to collaborate and socialize with each other. Children come with a variety of competent, creative, and overt interest (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) and maximizing these strengths would empower them to be able to do more challenging task through a strength based learning approach. As a co -constructor and facilitator of children’s learning it would be fruitless if I do not partner with the first teachers of these children; thus working with families and having an open-door policy for parents to come in and visit, participate, and share cultural experiences with class would be part of the agenda of my program. Including families in their children’s lives make them feel more included and valued (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010; Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).

Finally, creating such a setting of great relationship, interaction with children and family, and focusing on anti-bias material in the classroom would produce a secured and peaceful environment where every child would thrive to their potentials.

  References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

        Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011).EDUC 6358: Strategies for Working with Diverse Children [Webcast]. In “Building  on Children’s Strenghth” Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

      

     Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011).EDUC 6358: Strategies for Working with Diverse Children [Webcast]. In “Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community” Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com