I hope to convey the message of welcome to any family and child that comes here.
There are posters and pictures everywhere that depict every kind of family imaginable. These posters are found throughout the room and in the play areas.
In the Let's Pretend center, families will find a variety of dolls with different skin tones and abilities. There will also be clothing for children to dress up in themselves as well as the baby dolls. There is a variety of food from different countries such as rice, tacos, and spaghetti. There are also different cooking utensils too and empty food boxes that will also encourage environmental print reading. A large mirror can be found in this area too so that children can look at each other and notice their friends. In addition, there are family pictures from each family posted in this area to remind children how important their families are to them.
In the Book Nook, there are many stuffed animals and large pillows tucked away into a cozy corner. There are posters in this area promoting reading and there is a large book shelf that has a wide variety of books that cover topics from multicultural to 2 mommies/2 daddies to single parents. I will make sure that books are always available for the children and families and that families are encouraged to bring in any books they want to share with the rest of the children. Books are probably the most important component of my classroom because I love reading and looking at a book with a child.
In the Music Center, there are many different types of musical instruments for children to play. The musical CD's are a variety of different types music, rhythms, and composers. Children are encouraged to follow along to the beat and to find dress up clothes to wear.
The room is also labeled in both English and Spanish words for all the items that children find. There are pictures on shelves where the toys are stored so that children know where they go. This place is a work in progress; it takes time and patience to find the things that will make the room a welcome environment. Starting small is a good idea and will make the program a happy place for everyone to be a part of.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of your “music center”. I remember that I felt that Japanese people and Indian people have something common inside us when I heard Indian songs because they sounded similar to Japanese music. I think that music is an easy way to open children’s mind to different people and cultures.
The empty food boxes is a great idea. We had a room set up in the center I work for last summer that mimicked a grocery store. The parents donated empty boxes and containers giving us a wide variety of food items. It was a great way to make the experience more realistic because the children were able to identify with the items.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that it is a work in progress; it does take time to locate things that will make the room a welcome environment. It will be nice to go to donorschoose.org this website gives to teachers in need of classroom supplies. I love your idea of your anti-bias learning environment.
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteI love how you have different types of music for the children to enjoy. I could not imagine a welcoming environment without a variety of books. Books are a huge part of learning and monumental in helping children understand life and differences in others. I would love to bring my niece, Melanie, to this anti-bias learning environment! We would have tons of fun!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI like your centers that you have set up. I would add community helper’s uniforms, dresses and costumes of other cultures; this will encourage language and social interaction. The food section needs to have the pans and pots for the children to cook the different food from other cultures.
Sandra