"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

                                        

A group of children were looking at their family photos on the Family Display Board in the classroom.  The children were all pointing to the photos and verbally identifying their family members.  One of the girls said “My dad is Black, and me and my mommy are Brown. “  The teacher, who was standing close by, did not reprimand or silenced the girl, but decided to use this as a teachable moment instead.  The teacher looked at the photo of the girl's family and saw that the father had darker skin than the girl and her mother.   The teacher asked the girl “What color am I?”  The girl replied “You are Brown also.”  Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) stated "By age 2, children are using appropriate gender labels (girl, boy) and learning color names, which they begin to apply to skin color" (p. 12).  The teacher went over to the library area and took out a book that depicted individuals with different shades of color.   The teacher discussed ways in which people such as African-Americans can have dark skin or lighter skin, and is still considered black.   The book showed various cultures with various skin colors.   The teacher then took out some dolls and puppets to show the children the different shades of color.   The children were allowed to ask questions and the teacher was able to answer the questions in ways that helped the children understand how some people are the same and how they are different. 

I think that the way in which the teacher discussed with the class the various colors of people skin helped the children understand that it was okay to be different.  I feel that by openly discussing skin colors can foster self acceptance.  Bias barriers can be removed so that acceptance of others can emerge.  

I think the teacher were effective in addressing the issue of race; however, I think it would be a good idea if she included photos of various cultures throughout the classroom environment.  This will empower anti-bias education within the classroom.   The child will become accustom to seeing the various cultures and learn to accept it as a natural part of life. 

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young
children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.