If I experience specific “-ism(s)” in my own life, it
might cause consequences for the children and families with whom I work
with. I would probably feel very strong
emotions that would make it harder for me to focus on my work. I expect that I would be extra sensitive when
it came to related topics. Yet, it could
have a positive effect because I would be able to identify similar experiences
as they are happening and bring awareness to the children or families I am
working with. For example, I had an
experience where I was experiencing some racism in my personal life. When I noticed a child’s grandfather at work
express his racist beliefs I reacted too strongly. It felt frustrating to see yet another
example of racism in my life and I was not as understanding as I should have
been. I was able to maintain my calm
with the children and control my emotions.
Had it been a similar situation with children expressing racist beliefs
or ideas instead of an adult I would have reacted differently. I would have been more understanding and talked
with the child about why they felt that way and try to help them understand the
situation differently. Eric Hoffman
points out how children are simply interpreting what they perceive in the best
way they can with the information they have (Laureate Education, Inc.,
2011).
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011).
Learning about fairness: culture, language, and economic class [DVD]. Strategies for working with diverse children.
Baltimore, MD: Author.
Hi Rosana,
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration with the grandfather. The grandfather's comments were inappropriate not to mention that you teach your students to address biased behavior and be accepting of others' differences. I hope that you'll continue to have a positive impact with your students.
Rosana,
ReplyDeleteWe definitely react to adults differently than we would a child. Adults are very much aware of their behaviors. And when this behavior is expressed by them in the presents of anyone it can be frustrating. But we still have to be careful when addressing certain behaviors, there are ways of doing so that benefits us as well as the person displaying the behavior.