I had mixed feelings on the response to those who believed that
early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or
lesbian individuals. I feel that this is
something that should be taught so that there aren’t many biases towards people
like this. I also feel that it should be
at a parent’s discretion whether or not they want their young children to learn
about this at such a young age. There
are families who have two moms or two dads and these children talk about it and
other children at this young age have no idea what that means. I think having these resources are a good
idea but making sure they are appropriate for that age group would be the key
to making it successful and educational.
I have heard a child call another child “gay”, not because he knew
what they term meant but because he heard it before. He probably heard it in the context of
someone calling another this word.
Unfortunately, this word is used too often in the world today and used
in a way to just cut someone down not because they are actually gay but because
it has been used this way for awhile. If
other children would have heard this, they would question it and maybe start to
use it in the same matter which is not appropriate at all.
Lynette,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I understand your concerns about the parent's choice and incorporating it is walking a fine line but I do think it is important in today's society for children AND for parents to be exposed to such realities. Our society is ever-changing and every family should be respected and treated equally and fairly, not disowned or disrespected because they are "different" than the "norm". In order to do so, we can discuss and expose children to all types in a positive and age appropriate manner through literature.
Ashley Richards
Hello Lynnette I enjoyed your post but I too agree with Ashley. Family structure has changed it just not the old traditional family today. As families are changing we as educators must embrace this change. Early childhood centers are suppose to meet the holistic needs of the child and that includes family because family is that which defines who we are. Children make connections through books and I think that if we are talking about Anti-bias curriculum then books become a part of the curriculum also. Providing children with the tools and knowledge that they need to succeed strive in an ever changing world is important.
DeleteLynette,
ReplyDeleteI agree that some parents probably don't want their children to learn about these things at such a young age and that as educators we need to be conscious of these wishes. I think that perhaps this is something we don't need to bring up in early childhood until/unless it's brought up by a child or a family.
Amanda